13th March – Saint Roderick
It is not the pain but the purpose that makes a martyr - Saint Augustine.
Roderick was a Priest and Martyr of Córdoba. He was born as Rodrigo in 9th century southern Spain. When asked to declare his fidelity to Islam, while in captivity, which would set him free immediately, he maintained his loyalty and refused to deny Christ and His Church, instead, choosing rather to die. He was sentenced to death and died together with Solomon by beheading in 857 in Cordoba, Spain.
