06 April - Marcellin is a tribune of Emperor Honorius. He died as a martyr on 13 September 413. A close friend of Saint Augustine of Hippo, the latter consecrated a letter in honour of Marcellin praising his virtue and the dignity of his conduct.
According to St Augustine's writings, a meeting was held in 410 to decide which teaching to follow in Carthage, that of the Catholic bishops or that of the Donatists. Honorius appointed Marcellin to preside over the meeting and implement the common resolutions. The Catholic bishops agreed to share management with the Donatists and, if necessary, gave them full power. In bad faith, the Donatists would not agree to any proposals.
Exasperated by the attitude of the Donatists, Marcellin had them pursued as insolent troublemakers and plunderers. The Donatists questioned Marcellin's impartiality to their detriment and allied themselves with Count Marin, a peacemaker in Roman Africa against Heraclian. Marin accused Marcellin of being an accomplice of Heraclian and had him and his brother put in prison. Augustine went to Carthage and vouched for Marcellin's innocence to Marin. Marin promised Augustine that he would free Marcellin, but in reality he did not.
Augustine visited Marcellin and assured him of his innocence. Marcellin swore that he was a stranger to this crime. The court was also convinced of the innocence of Marcellin and his brother, and sent men to the house of Count Marin to free Marcellin and his brother. But eager for revenge, Marin moved forward with the execution. The Emperor Honorius took offence and relieved Marin of his duties.
Still according to St. Augustine in his praise of Marcellin, he wrote: "Marcellin lived in great piety and holy conduct worthy of a true Christian. His moral uprightness is exemplary. He is pure and faithful in marriage, just and patient with his friends. He loved all men and enjoyed spreading joy around him. His greatest satisfaction has been to be of service. In times of sorrow and pain, his heart knew how to forgive his enemies, and he was even able to love them. Extremely trusting in God and very pious, he spoke the truth of redemption with great reverence and humility. In spite of his great fortune, he was strongly attached to Christ. This martyr well deserves his place in heaven".
