Cartholinus was a deacon from Carthage who lived during the early fourth century. He is recognized as a hieromartyr, having died during the persecutions initiated by Diocletian in 303 AD. His remains, along with those of several other martyrs, were traditionally kept in the Basilica of Saint Faustus. While historical records such as the Martyrology of Jerome mention his name, specific details regarding his personal life or his direct connection to the other martyrs buried with him remain unknown.
Martyrdom and death
According to historical accounts, Cartholinus suffered martyrdom in 303 AD at the beginning of the Diocletianic persecution. He was commemorated alongside several other individuals, including Bishop Felix of Tibiuca and martyrs such as Ianuarius, Florentius, Polunthana, Julia, and Justa. Although they shared a burial site in the Church of Saint Faustus, researchers have not established if they were martyred together.
Veneration
The saint is honored in the Orthodox tradition, with his feast day observed on July 15. Historical mentions suggest that Saint Augustine once wrote about him, though the specific text of this tribute has not survived. His name appears in early records, including the Italian edition of Jerome's Martyrology from the first half of the fifth century.