Editing Gavinus (section)

==Narrative==
He was a [[Ancient Rome|Roman]] soldier [[martyr]]ed for the Christian faith during the persecution of [[Diocletian]]<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=vZpIAQAAMAAJ&dq=St+Gavinus&pg=PA390 ''Italy: Handbook for Travellers'', Vol. 3, K. Baedeker, 1900, p. 390]</ref> in 304 in the city of [[Porto Torres]] ({{langx|la|Turris}}), according to the legend, on the orders of the governor (''preside'') of [[Sardinia]] and [[Corsica]], a certain Barbarus.

The earliest "passio" dates to the 12th century:
Barbaro, who had been sent to Corsica and Sardinia, reached Turres and published the imperial edicts against the Christians, was denounced by Proto, Gavino and Gianuario. They were summoned to the tribunal and being steadfast in refusing to sacrifice to the gods, were summarily beheaded.<ref name=borrelli>[http://www.santiebeati.it/dettaglio/55250 Borrelli, Antonio. "Santi Gavino, Proto e Gianuario Martiri di Porto Torres", Santi e beati, April 4, 2006]</ref>

A second, longer, "passio", from the middle of the thirteenth century, follows standard medieval hagiographical conventions. In this, Protus and Januarius are arrested and subjected to torture. Gavinus is a soldier conveying them to prison. Impressed with their courage, he releases them and asks for their prayers. The next day Gavinus was arrested for failing to produce his prisoners, and when he declared himself a Christian, was beheaded on the shore. Hearing that Gavinus had preceded them in martyrdom, Protus and Januarius returned to the city, were arrested, and likewise beheaded.<ref name=rai/> The story of the martyrdom was distributed in nine readings for use in the recitation of Matins.