Today the Roman liturgy celebrates the feast of a martyr of Tarsus whose relics were taken to Rome at an early date. St. Boniface was a steward of a very wealthy and beautiful lady, Aglae. Together these two were involved in criminal activities but one day Aglae said to Boniface, “I have heard that they who honor those that suffer for the sake of Jesus Christ, shall have a share in their glory. In the East, the servants of Jesus Christ every day suffer torments and lay down their lives for his sake.” She asked Boniface to go to bring her the relics of some martyrs in order to pray before them and be saved by their assistance. In a spirit of compunction, St. Boniface traveled to Tarsus, fasting throughout his journey, and upon entering the city, went directly to the court of the governor and found many holy martyrs suffering under their tortures. When Boniface spoke openly in praise of the martyrs he was included among them.