Lentorama 2006 Saint of the Day: Adrian of Nicomedia: This fourth century saint got his start with the Romans, turning to Christianity one day when he impressed with the bravery of the Christians he was helping to torture. He was apparently impressed enough to forget what happened to Christians, as the day following his conversion he had his limbs struck off on an anvil and was beheaded. Of course, when the Romans tried to burn his remains along with those of other martyrs, a thunderstorm whipped up out of nowhere and put out the fire. Lightning from the storm also struck and killed many Romans, showing that even God has ironic moments.

Adrian is the patron saint of several things, including old soldiers, communications phenomena, and, perhaps continuing that ironic streak, butchers. Religious art often depicts Adrian with an anvil in his hands or at his feet, which seems a little cruel.