Today, July 1, is the memorial of Saint Nicasius.
Nicasius’ parents were Roberto de Burgio and Aldegonda. On his father’s side, he descended from the Saracens. On his mother’s, the Normans. He was born around the year 1135.
He and his brother Ferrandino joined the Hospitaller Order of the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem. Both brothers went to the Holy Land in answer to the call of Roger de Moulins, the Grand Master of the Knights Hospitaller.
During the battle of Hattin, Nicasius was captured. The enemies tried to make him give up his being a Christian and convert to Islam. He refused the offer and was promptly beheaded in the presence of Saladin in 1187.