Firmus and Rusticus

Saints Firmus and Rusticus (San Fermo e San Rustico) (died c. 290 AD) are venerated as two martyrs of Verona. Their unreliable Acts state that Firmus and Rusticus, kinsmen, were prominent citizens of Bergamo. They were martyred at Verona under the Emperor Maximian after refusing to sacrifice to pagan idols. Under the judge Anolinus, they were tortured, beaten with clubs, and beheaded.

The Church of Sant Fermo, Verona has 24 tiles by the Italian artist Luciano Minguzzi depicting the torture and killing of Saint Fermo and Saint Rustico - notably the killing of Saint Rustico with a herringbone.

It has been postulated that Firmus and Rusticus were actually two martyrs of Africa whose relics were translated to Verona. Their Acts were written to make them heroes of Verona instead. Their feast day is celebrated on August 9.