On this day, July 4, the traditional Roman Martyrology heads its roll of saints with two Old Testament prophets:
This Day, the Fourth Day of July
The prophets Osee and Aggaeus.
The holy prophets Osee and Aggaeus were the authors of two of the twelve Old Testament books of Minor Prophets.
St. Osee
Osee, or Hosea (Hebrew Hoshea, "Salvation") is identified in the introductory line of his book as "Osee the son of Beeri," to whom the word of the Lord came during the reigns of Ozias, Joathan, Achaz, and Ezechias, kings of Judah, and during the reign of Jeroboam II son of Joas, king of Israel. The historical data found in Osee's book of prophecy indicate that he exercised his prophetic office from circa 750 to 725 B.C.
