Over the weekend, we celebrated a feast day that’s not super well-known in the Catholic world, but it’s an important one—personally and for this publication.
The Feast of the Holy Forty Martyrs of Sebaste. This is where the name “The Victor’s Crown” comes from.
Here’s the story.
There was a division of the Roman army during the early fourth century when Christianity was outlawed. This division was nicknamed “The Thundering Legion”—some translations say “Armed with Lightning.”
Some legends actually call them the 40 wrestlers because of some connection they had to competing on behalf of the emperor in Roman amphitheaters.
Think of them as the special forces. Known for their bravery and loyalty.
Well, they became Christian. And they were found out.
And they were given a choice: renounce your faith, or stand on a frozen lake until death.
The forty soldiers were marched out to the center of the frozen lake. Meanwhile, guards stood on the shore with fires and tubs of warm water, tempting them to come back and renounce their faith.
Throughout the night, the forty soldiers sang and prayed together.
One of the songs they sang was this:
“Forty soldiers for Thee, O Christ, to win for thee, the victory and from thee, the victor’s crown.”
That’s where this name comes from.
As the story goes, one of the forty succumbed to the temptation. He ran to the shore and jumped into one of the warm baths. He was immediately killed by the shock.
One of the guards on the shore was so inspired that he threw off his uniform, threw off his weapons, and joined them on the lake.
He joined the thirty-nine in their death and in their martyrdom.
“Forty soldiers for Thee, O Christ, to win for thee, the victory and from thee, the victor’s crown.”
Let us pray.
Lord, give us the courage, the faith, the perseverance of Your Holy Forty. Help us fight the good fight, finish the race, and keep the faith. Help us win the victory and the victor’s crown. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Keep fighting the good fight. Our Lady of Victory, pray for us.
