S. Gregory II. was ordained sub-deacon by pope Sergius I., and under the four succeeding popes he acted as treasurer and librarian to the Church in Rome. When elected pope, he signalized himself by his unwearied zeal in defending the pure faith against heresy, and in combating the Iconoclasts who, protected by the Emperor Leo the Isaurian, waged war against sacred pictures and images. The tyrant sent officers on several occasions to murder the holy pope; but he was so faithfully guarded by the Romans, that he escaped unhurt. He held the pontificate fifteen years, eight months, and twenty-three days, and died on Feb. 10th, 731. S. FULCRAN, B. C. (A.D. 1006.) [Gallican Martyrology, Authority:--A Life by Bishop Bernard Guido, compiled from ancient notices and lives of this saint, published by Bollandus.] The blessed Fulcran was a native of Lodeve, in the archdiocese of Narbonne, in France; and from his childhood exhibited marked piety. He was educated by Theodoric, Bishop of Lodeve, who also ordained him. On the death of Theodoric, the city elected Fulcran to be his successor; and he was consecrated at Narbonne by Archbishop Imerick, on the 4th February, 949. His zeal and humility endeared him to his flock, as did also his abundant charity in time of famine. Having been told of a certain neighbouring bishop that had fallen into heresy, Fulcran, in a moment of indignation, without weighing his words, exclaimed, "The man deserves to be burnt!" Shortly after he heard that the people had burnt the bishop alive. He was at once filled with remorse, fearing lest his rash and uncharitable speech should have been reported, and encouraged the people to commit this crime. Unable to find rest of conscience, he went to Rome, and entering the city, tore the clothes off his back, and bade his companions beat him through the streets with thorn branches, till he reached the Church of S. Peter, where he made his confession with many tears. After this, he returned to his diocese, but again feeling agonies of remorse, revisited Rome, and again a third time, subjecting himself to various penances. When his end drew near, he announced it to his friends, and the rumour spreading, multitudes poured to Lodeve to see him for the last time, and receive his parting benediction. Though consumed with fever, he said Mass in the Cathedral before all, and weeping, prayed for his flock; then he blessed the tomb he had ordered to be prepared for himself, and died peacefully shortly after. S. CATHARINE DE RICCI, V. (A.D. 1590.) [Roman Martyrology. Canonised by Pope Benedict XIV, in 1746.]