January 23, Bl. Vincent (Wincenty) Lewoniuk and Companions, Martyrs of Pratulin

January 23
In the Diocese of Siedlce
BLESSED VINCENT LEWONIUK and COMPANIONS, MARTYRS of PRATULIN
Obligatory memorial
In the Diocese of Drohiczyn—Optional memorial

Blessed Vincent Lewoniuk and 12 Companions were members of the Uniate Church that had been created under the Union of Brest in 1596. They died martyrs’ death on 24 January 1874 at the hands of Russian soldiers, who, on behalf of the tsar, wanted to force them to join the Orthodox Church. The martyrs of Pratulin laid down their lives defending the faith and unity of the Church. Pope John Paul II declared them blessed in Rome on 6 October 1996.

Common of Several Martyrs.