Three of these saints have similar sounding names because they were siblings; Protus was their tutor and caretaker. All four of them were killed in 304 under Christian persecution by the Roman empire.

Cantius and Cantianus, brothers, and Cantianella, their sister, were part of a well-known and elite family of Rome. Their parents died when they were young, and they were raised in their family’s home by a Christian, Protus, who served as their tutor and guardian. Protus raised the children in the faith.

When the empire began to persecute Christians, the young family fled to Aquileia after freeing their slaves, selling what they possessed, and giving everything to the poor. They discovered that they were no safer there, however.

As soon as they arrived, officials there demanded that they sacrifice to Roman gods, which they declined. Not knowing how to proceed, the officials sent a messenger to the emperor, Diocletian, to ask for guidance. Meanwhile, the family left Aquileia, but the message arrived that they were to be executed if they failed to pay homage to the gods.

Four miles outside of town, the chariot the family was traveling in broke down. Soldiers caught them and demanded again that they sacrifice to Roman gods. They replied that nothing could make them unfaithful to God, and they were beheaded on the spot, along with Protus.

St. Cantius and his siblings, the orphans who preferred death to unfaithfulness, pray for us!