Non licet esse Christiani ... "Christians are not permitted to exist " In the year 68 A.D. it is a dangerous time to be a Christian. The Apostles Peter and Paul have recently been brutally executed as martyrs for their faith, and now the bloodthirsty Emperor Nero is determined to rid his dominion permanently of all the followers of Christ. Christians are being hunted down in droves, and are being tortured and executed for their faith. But where the raging maw of the beast roars, the silent love of God prevails and gives strength, so that we are reminded: "A rose can't be heard when it opens. The grass and the trees don't make any noise when they grow. The sun doesn't make the slightest rustle when it rises. That's just how the faith of Christ is in the hearts and in the society of men. Quietly and gently, it opens like a flower and spreads its fragrance in people's lives " From the author of The Purple Mantle and Diamonds on the Bosphorus comes a compelling tale of faith, love, and courage in the face of death. It is a story that testifies about how those who are called to be witnesses to the awesome power of God can inspire others by their shining example. As such, it is also an important story for all times.