St. Hermenegild

Saint Hermenegild (ca. 564 - April 13, 585) was a member of the Visigothic Royal Family in Spain. His martyrdom was the catalyst in the Visigoths' conversion from Arianism to Catholicism. Hermenegild was the son of King Leovigild and brother to Reccared. He was brought up in the Arian belief, but married Ingund (the daughter of the Frankish King Sigebert I of Austrasia), who was a Catholic.

Under Ingund's influence, and that of St. Leander, Hermenegild was converted to Catholicism. His family demanded that he return to the Arian faith, but he refused. As a result, he led a revolt against Leovigild. Following the revolt, St. Hermenegild was imprisoned. During Hermenegild's captivity in the tower of Seville, an Arian bishop was sent to him, but he would not accept Holy Communion from the hands of that prelate. King Leovigild ordered him to be murdered, and he was martyred on April 13, 585. His Feast Day is April 13.