[2] According to the martyrologies, the martyrdom of Crispus, Crispinianus, and Benedicta occurred in conjunction with that of Saints John and Paul, two soldiers who were put to death by the order of the emperor Julian the Apostate.

[1] Crispus was a priest, Crispinianus a cleric of indeterminate rank, and Benedicta a venerabilis femina ("venerable woman").

[1][2] In the martyrdom account, John and Paul, condemned and awaiting their death, send for Crispus, Crispinian, and Benedicta so that the priest can offer Mass for them, and so that they can relate the story of their sufferings to the other Christians.

[3] When Julian interrogates Crispus, he admits the nature of his office in the Church, confessing himself to be peccator presbyter ("a priest and a sinner").

To this command, Benedicta answers "in a loud voice" (magna voce): "I am a Christian, and I have Christ as my spouse; and I reject your gods, as if they were the dirt upon which my feet tread.

"[note 3] Following their profession of faith, Crispus, Crispinianus, and Benedicta are put to death and their bodies left for the dogs.

Archaeological excavations carried out under the basilica in the nineteenth century revealed a complex of Roman homes, with evidence of a confessio (a devotional shrine) marking the place of the martyrs' burial.

Consonant with the martyrdom account, a dog is shown by the side of the Roman authorities carrying out the execution.