St. Maximilian was born about AD 274 in Tebessa, Algeria. His father, Fabius Victor, was a soldier in the Roman army. In AD 295, the proconsul Dion went to Tebessa to recruit soldiers for the third Augustan legion stationed there. At this time, volunteers were usually enlisted in the Roman army, but sons of veterans were obliged to serve. Maximilian, the 21-year-old son of the Roman army veteran, was presented to the recruiting agent.
The ensuing dialogue between the proconsul Dion and Maximilian is still preserved. When asked his name, Maximilian replied, "Why do you wish to know my name? I cannot serve because I am a Christian." The proconsul then ordered Maximilian to wear the emperor's badge. Maximilian regarded the Roman seal as idolatrous, and so he refused. He said that because of his baptism, he wore the "seal" of Christ and that the emperor's seal would deface his baptismal seal. Dion then told Victor to correct his son. Victor, who had become a Christian like his son, said, "He knows what he believes, and he won't change his mind."
The proconsul contended that other Christians had enlisted in the Roman army, attempting to establish the notion that Christians could both follow Christ and serve Caesar in the military. Maximilian answered, "They know what is best for them. I am a Christian, and I cannot do what is wrong." Facing the threat of death if he persisted, Maximilian responded, "This is the greatest thing I desire. Dispatch me quickly. Therein lies my glory." Then he added, "I shall not die. When I leave this earth, I shall live with Christ, my Lord."
"Maximilian has refused the military oath through impiety; he is sentenced to die by the sword." the proconsul said as he sentenced Maximilian. Maximilian was immediately executed, and his body was buried in Carthage in North Africa.
St. Maximilian, pray for us that we will retain the courage to hold firm to our faith despite the trials.
Prepared and updated by:
Jonathan Fabian Ginunggil,
Penampang, Sabah Malaysia.
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