Cantius, Cantianius, and Cantianella

Who was Cantius, Cantianius, and Cantianella?

Saints Cantius, Cantianius, and Cantianella are venerated as saints and martyrs by the Christian church. Tradition states that the three were orphaned siblings, and members of a noble Roman family, the Anicii. They were related to the Emperor Carinus. Protus was their tutor or guardian. He was a Christian who converted the three siblings.

When Diocletian began to persecute Christians, the four left Rome, selling their home and giving most of the proceeds to the poor. They reached their estate in Aquileia. However, they were captured at a place called Aquae Gradatae. They were beheaded after they refused to offer sacrifice to the civic gods.