St Maurice
First martyr in Switzerland (died about AD 290)
In the 3rd century, the Theban (Egyptian Christian) and many of his companions were in the region near to Martigny in Valais when they refused to pray to the Roman emperor as God. They were executed for this and became the first Christian martyrs on Swiss soil. Their martyrdom led to the establishment of St Maurice's Abbey and sent out a strong signal to the whole of Europe. In addition to certain churches associated with St Maurice as their patron saint, he is also venerated at St Maurice's Abbey, which will be celebrating the 1500th anniversary of its founding in 2015.
St Maurice’s feast day is celebrated on 22 September.