Hagiography: The Medieval Martyrs

Now moving on to my favorite era, (at the present moment) the Middle Ages. After Constantine made Christianity legal in 313, the Roman Persecution came to an official end. That's not to say there weren't still pockets of anti-Christian sentiment across the Roman empire. However by the time the Roman Empire fell, Christianity had spread across Europe and into Asia Minor like a wildfire. No longer were there mass murders of genocide. Cases of martyrdom became more isolated mostly in the northern barbaric regions. By the 600s the Roman church began sending missionaries to help convert the Celtic, Anglo-Saxons, Scandinavian, Germanic, and Slavic peoples. Naturally this took time and some welcomed the change more than others. Many of these brave missionaries suffered terrible deaths during the early part of the Middle Ages.

Once Charlemagne was crowned king by the pope in 800, Christianity was the majority across most of western Europe. By 1000 AD it had completely converted the majority of northern, central Europe, and eastern Europe. This was no doubt the peak of Christianity, where anyone who wasn't a Catholic was considered a heretic. Soon the church established their own form of persecutions known as the Inquisitions. The only cases of Catholic martyrdom that occurred during this period of the high middle ages were political cases. Situations where the monarchy was able to get the support of the church, so that they could execute an enemy (even if they were a devout Christian). Then came the wave of the Protestant Reformation during the 1500-1600s and a new era of religious wars and Catholic purges began. Here are my favorite saints of the Medieval ages (the heroic adventurers that movies are made about).     


Early Missionary Martyrs


Saint Boniface

• Years: 675-754 (79 years)
• Nationality: Crediton, Roman-Britain
• 
  Life: He was an English missionary who felt the call to convert pagans in Germany. He eventually got approval from the pope in Rome, and arrived in the German regions of Hesse and Thruingia. He made quite the public spectacle when he chopped down an oak tree of Thor challenging the god to strike him down. According to legend he later used the wood from this sacred Norse tree to build the first German Catholic church. He continued to establish churches and monasteries all throughout Germany, and eventually became archbishop of Mainz. In this post he continued to work closely with Rome on church policy and doctrine. At the age of 80 he pressed on with his missionary work in Netherlands but was eventually killed by a group of raiders thus making him a Christian martyr. He was basically like the St. Patrick of Germany, who made great contribution in spreading Christianity throughout the Dark Ages.
• Cause of Death: Sword or axe
• Patronage: Germany, Fulda, England
• Symbols: Bishops robes, book pierced by a sword, or axe
• Feast Day: June 5
• Famous Churches:
• Fulda Cathedral (Fulda, Germany)- 744; Rebuilt in 1704; This is where he is buried and is considered the heart of German Catholicism
• Mainz Cathedral (Mainz, Germany)- 975-1009- Was once the administrative center of the Archbishop of Mainz for the Holy Roman Empire. Contains statues and relics associated to him.
• Fritzlar Cathedral (Fritzlar, Germany)- 11th century- Near the site where Boniface chopped down an oak tree to build a Catholic church
• St. Boniface Chapel (Dokkum, Netherlands)- 1871-1872- The site of his martydom which contains some relics

Martyrs of Cordoba

• Years: 850-859
  
• Nationality: Spanish
• 
  Life: When the Islamic Caliphates took control of Spain in the 9th century they quickly came at odds with local Christians. At the time Cordoba was one of the most advanced cities in Europe and had a large population of Christians. Surprisingly the Muslims allowed for religious tolerance, however they would not tolerate any blasphemy towards Islam or converts to Christianity. The Umayyad al-Andalus had approximately 50 Christians in Cordoba executed for either speaking poorly of Islam or for apotheosizing Islam. The church later canonized these martyrs who were killed for defending their faith. Some famous martyrs from this group include St. Eulogius, St. Prefectus, and St. Roderick.
• Cause of Death: Beheading, torture
• Patronage: Spain
• Symbols: Palm branch, sword, crown
• Feast Day: July 27
• Famous Churches:
• Basilica de San Pedro de Cordoba (Cordoba, Spain)- 1264-1320- Primary shrine dedicated to the martyrs of Cordoba

Saint Edmund the Martyr

• Years: 855-869
  
• Nationality: England
• 
  Life: He was king of East Anglia during the Viking Danish raids throughout the 850-860s. He was a deeply devout Christian far more concerned with the faith over the ongoing threat of the Great Heathen Army. Once the Vikings reached his kingdom, they offered him a puppet kingdom as long as he renounced Christ. Edmund rejected their offer and bravely refused to renounce Christ. As a consequence they had him tied to a tree, whipped him, and shot him with many arrows (just like St. Sebastian). He was then beheaded and died as a martyr. According to legend his head was guarded by a wolf in the forest, who later helped his followers recover the head.
• Cause of Death: Beheading
• Patronage: Kings, pandemics, wolves, torture victims, plague
• Symbols: Arrows, swords, handhelf orb, wolf
• Feast Day: Nov 20
• Famous Churches:
• Abbey of Bury St. Edmunds (Suffolk, England)- 1095 (Destroyed in 1539)- Now it is just ruins, considered the martyrdom site of Saint. Edmund
• St. Edmundsbury Cathedral (Suffolk, England)- 1065- Originally dedicated to Saint James, but later included St. Edmun after the destruction of the Abbey site.
• St. Edmund, King and Martyr Church (London, England)- 1292- Destroyed in Great Fire of 1666. Rebuilt in 1670 as an Anglican church honoring the great royal martyr

Saint Wenceslaus

• 
  Years: 907-935 (28 years)
• Nationality: Bohemia (Czech Republic)
  
• Life: He was a duke of Bohemia, famous for the Christmas Carol good king Wenceslaus where he had his page follow his footsteps. He was a devout Christian who put his faith into his policy, especially in regards to protecting the peasants and the poor. This of course upset many of the nobles as they felt their privileges were beginning to be restricted under his leadership. Wenceslaus founded many churches in Bohemia and was very involved in clergy affairs. His final straw against the nobles however was when he made a truce with the German King Henry the Fowler, which many Bohemians saw as betrayal. He was later killed by his brother who sought to take advantage of his unpopularity and assume his role. This is another example of a political assassination however he was classified a martyr saint due to his charity for the poor, his good deeds, and dedication to the church, makes him considered a medieval martyr.
• Cause of Death: Dagger
• Patronage: Prague, Bohemia, Czech Republic
• Symbols: Crown, dagger, burning eagle
• Feast Day: Sept 28
• Famous Churches:
• St. Vitus Cathedral (Prague, Czech Republic)- 1344- He has a chapel in this famous Czech cathedral that contains his relics and tombs
• Basilica of St. Wenceslaus (Stara Boleslav, Czech Republic)- 1039-1046- Built near the site of his martyrdom

St. Adalbert of Prague

• Years: 956-997 (41 years)
  
• 
  Nationality: Duchy of Bohemia (Czech Republic)
• Life: He was born in Bohemia as a nobleman educated at Magdeburg one of the top academic institutes in the Holy Roman Empire. He was devout in the faith, became a priest, and quickly became Bishop of Prague by 982 AD. He pushed for reform in the church regarding polygamy, clerical corruption, and slave trade. He was also committed to convert the remaining pagan pockets throughout the Slav region of Central Europe. His ambitious goals eventually made him enemies with the Bohemian elite who had him removed from his office and even exiled. He later became a Benedictine monk and did missionary work in Hungary and Poland. It was in 997 where he was killed by Baltic Prussians while attempting to preach and convert the pagans.
• Cause of Death: Spears
• Patronage: Poland, Czech Republic, students of Polish literature
• Symbols: Spears
• Feast Day: April 23
• Famous Churches:
• Gniezno Cathedral (Gniezno, Poland)- 12th century- Considered the site of his martyrdom. Contains his relics and tombs. This that later became the coronation site for Polish kings during the middle ages.
• St. Vitus Cathedral (Prague, Czechia)- 1344- Dedicated to Saint Vitus but contains many of his relics

Saint Olaf

• Years: 995-1030 (35 years)
• 
  Nationality: Ringerike, Norway
  
• Life: Olaf Haraldsson was a Viking king of Norway who led many violent raids along the Northern Sea. He discovered Christianity in 1013 in Normandy/England and was baptized as a follower. He then changed his primary mission to convert his entire pagan culture to Christianity. This of course made many enemies as he used his violent means to force the conversion and eventually a civil war broke out in Norway. Olaf was eventually killed by Cnut the Great at the Battle of Stiklestad (1030 AD). Despite his violent nature he was canonized a saint for his dedication to spreading the Christian faith. The argument for his sainthood is that he was surrounded by a violent society and fully committed himself to die for this cause. This is the rare exception of a canonized saint who used forced pressure and violence to spread the word of Christ. He quickly became considered a cult legend, as miracles and healings occurred at his grave. He eventually became the patron of Norway, a confessor like Patrick or Boniface, who was also a political martyr.
• Cause of Death: Sword or axe
• Patronage: Norway
• Symbols: Sword, Axe, Crown
• Feast Day: July 29
• Famous Churches:
• Nidaros Cathedral (Trondheim, Norway)- 1300- This was originally built as his main tomb, however the Shrine of Olaf was eventually dismantled in the mid 1500s when Denmark abolished Catholicism in replace of Lutheranism.
• Stiklestad Church (Stiklestad, Norway)- 1180- It is a historical site where the Battle of Stiklestad occurred and is also the martyrdom site of Saint Olaf. It was built as a Catholic church but is now a Luthern church.

Saint Stanislaus

• Years: 1030-1079
• Nationality: Szczepanow, Poland
• 
  Life: He was a devout Christian in Poland, where there was still a heavy Pagan prescence throughout Central Europe and into the Baltics. In 1072 he reached the position of Bishop of Krakow which gave him closer connections with the royal crown. He preached for repentance, moral reform and spoke against social injustice in defense of the poor. He quickly came at odds with the Polish King Boleslaw II who considered himself above the church. Stanislau later took the bold act of excommunicating the king for his insistence that he was above God's law. In response to this King Boleslaw sent soldiers to arrest and kill the Polish Bishop as he was attending to the Eucharist of Mass. His story is somewhat similar to many other medieval disputes between the church and state (such as Becket and Henry II).
  
• Cause of Death: Sword
• Patronage: Poland, Lithuania, Krakow, moral order
• Symbols: Episcopal robes, sword, resurrected pior
• Feast Day: April 11
• Famous Churches:
• Wawel Cathedral (Krakow, Poland)- 1000-1025 (destroyed by fire); 1320-1364- One of the most popular churches in Poland contains a shrine dedicated to Saint Stainslaus with his relics
• Church of the Rock (Krakow, Poland)- 14th-15th century- Built on the site of Stainslaus' martyrdom
• Cathedral Basilica of St. Stainslaus and St. Vladislaus (Vilnius, Lithuania)- 13th century
• Basilica of St. Stainslaus Bishop and Martyr (Chicopee, Massachusetts)- 1890-1908

Medieval Political Martyrs

St. Thomas Becket

• Years: 1119-1170 (50 years)
  
• Nationality: London, England
  
• 
  Life: He was the famous archbishop of Canterbury who was murdered by King Henry II in a power dispute between the church and the state. He first served under Theobald of Bec for some time as archdeacon where he learned of the ecclesiastical laws. He was quickly appointed to King Henry II's personal Lord Chancellor where he counseled him on political and church affairs (mostly as the king's yes-man). In 1162 Becket became the archbishop after the death of Theobald which led him to resign his post as chancellor. He began to openly oppose the king on the church's separation from royal authority (emphasizing that the church should govern itself). The former friendship quickly blew up to a feud where King Henry II had the archbishop exiled and in response Becket had Henry II excommunicated. The hostility finally hit it's breaking point when the king famously uttered "Will no one rid me of this turbulent priest". His knights took this request literally and had Becket murdered by sword at Canterbury. Becket instantly became a martyr-saint and Henry II was faced with public outrage over the matter that damaged his reputation. This was more so a political dispute instead of being executed solely for being Christian, however he is still regarded as a very important martyr.
• Cause of Death: Sword
• Patronage: Oxford, secular clergy, exiles
• Symbols: Sword, bishop vestments, palm branch, books
• Feast Day: Dec 29
• Famous Churches:
• Canterbury Cathedral (Canterbury, England)- 1070- The site of his martyrdom. His shrine, relics, and tombs were famously destroyed during the reign of Henry VIII during the English reformation. The Trinity Chapel has a candle in the cathedral that continues to honor his martyrdom.

Saint Peter of Verona

• 
  Years: 1205-1252 (46 years)
• Nationality: Verona, Italy
  
• Life: Born into a heretic household he became a passionate Dominician preacher speaking out against heresy. His parents were Cathar converts who rejected the sacraments and the authority of the church. Peter refused to follow his parents and joined the Dominican order as a young man. He was noted for his sharp persuasive and skill in theological debate. This skill secured him the position of Inquisitor for Lombardy where he conducted fierce investigations and challenge any heretic movements (quite often thru violence). He especially targeted the movement of Catharism in northern Italy which led to his martyrdom. He was eventually assassinated by a group of Cathars, who stuck Peter in the head with a blade, while traveling on the road to Milan. His famous last words as he fell to his death covered in blood were, "I believe in God".
• Cause of Death: Blade
• Patronage: Preachers, Inquisitors, midwives, Lombardy,
• Symbols: Dominican robes, hatchet, cleaver, blade in the head,
• Feast Day: April 29
• Famous Churches:
• Basilica of Sant'Eustorgio (Milan, Italy)-4th century- Considered the primary shrine for Saint Pete of Verona that contain his relics
• Sanctuary of San Pietro Martire (Seveso, Italy)- 1253; 1660-1685 (rebuilt)- Built on the site of Peter's martyrdom

St. Joan of Arc

• Years: 1412-1431 (19 years)
• Nationality: Domremy, France
  
• 
  Life: One of the most remarkable stories in sainthood, Joan of Arc experienced visions and the calling from Christ at a young age. She passionately believed she was called to save France and arranged an audience with the Dauphin Charles VII despite not having any noble blood. After having her examined the Dauphin believed her story and gave her armor, weapons, and an army to help rally the French Army during the Hundred Years War. Joan of Arc played a crucial role in leading the French Army to victory at the Siege of Orleans (1429) and various other battles which inspired the coronation of King Charles VII. However she was not finished here, and continued to lead the French army to reclaim Paris. Eventually she was captured by the English Army, imprisoned, and put on trial for heresy. The French did not come to her rescue and she was found guilty of witchcraft and burned at the stake. Her martyrdom was more so a political one since she had proved to be a great threat to England, however her accusers did make the case that she was a witch and heretic.
• Cause of Death: Burnt at the Stake
• Patronage: France, soldiers, prisoners, captives
• Symbols: Armor, sword, banner, Fleur-de-lis
• Feast Day: May 30
• Famous Churches:
• Basilica Sainte-Jeanne-d'Arc (Domremy-la-Pucelle, France)- 1881-1939- This is the hometown of Joan, where it is believed she first had her visions.
• Cathedral Sainte-Crox d'Orleans (Orleans, France)- 1278- Chapel with stained glass window inside dedicated to Joan of Arc.
• Notre-Dame de Reims (Reims, France)- 1211-1345- Chapel dedicated to Joan of Arc inside.

St. Thomas More

• 
  Years: 1478-1535
  
• Nationality: London, England
• Life: He was a lawyer, scholar, writer, and humanist who became famous after his book Utopia in 1516. This book depicted the injustice in the current state that lacked proper morals and ethics. He quickly rose to power from this book, finding a seat in Parliament and eventually as the Lord Chancellor of England in 1529 counseling King Henry VIII. He was loyal to the king at the beginning of his reign, however division began to grow when Henry considered to split from the Catholic Church. When Henry VIII finally decided to ignore the pope and annul his marriage with Catherin of Aragon, Thomas decided to resign from his post. When the vote came to the parliament to accept the King as the head of the church (and NOT the pope), More boldly refused to sign it. He was eventually imprisoned and put on trial for treason. He bravely argued his case that the English monarchy could not redefine the Catholic Church. For this he was sentenced to beheading. He was yet another political martyr, who boldly stood against a tyrannically regime to support the doctrine of the Catholic church.
• Cause of Death: Beheading
• Patronage: Statesman, lawyers, politicians
• Symbols: Dressed in robes, wearing the Collar of Esses, axe
• Feast Day: June 22
• Famous Churches:
• Cathedral of St. Thomas More (Arlington, Virginia)- 1942
• St. Thomas More Catholic Church (London, England)- 1528- This chapel was built by More during his lifetime and remains a historical pilgrimage site of the saint.

40 Martyrs of England and Wales

• Years: 1535-1679
  Nationality: England and Wales
• Life: During the English Reformation King Henry VIII passed the Act of Supremacy which declared himself Supreme Head of the Church. While there was not widespread persecutions against Catholics, any person who refused to recognize this was accused of treason. This reached a new level of threat under Queen Elizabeth (who was likely responding to Bloody Mary's persecution of Protestants). Elizabeth saw Catholic missionaries as a threat and had many executed. Laws against Catholicism became even harsher after the 1605 Gunpowder terrorist plot. Anti-Catholic sentiment reached new heights after the Popish conspiracy plot during the reign of Charles II 1678-1679. While there were likely hundreds of Catholics killed during this time the church recognized 40 in this group with notable names such as St. Edmund Champion,
• Cause of Death: Hanged, drawn, and quartered
• Patronage: United Kingdom
• Symbols: Palm branch, knife, eucharist, keys, trapdoors
• Feast Day: Oct 25
• Famous Churches:
• Church of the English Martyrs (London, England)- 1875
• Church of Our Lady of the Assumption and the English Martyrs (Cambridge, England)- 1885-1890-
• Shrine of the Forty Martyrs (Westminster Cathedral)- 1950s- Shrine within the famous English cathedral honoring the 40 Martyrs.

Hagiography: The 14 Holy Helpers

I think my fascination with Saint George actually began last fall as I was reading The Historian, a fiction about Vlad the Impaler. Much of the story took place in Romania and Bulgaria, and the country people adored St. George. I've always admired the mythical element of his slaying the dragon but I was never too familiar with the story. Then as I took on this medieval phase I discovered he was once again at the forefront of military superstition. Commanders and their soldiers would cry out to St George as they began their assaults hoping he would bring them fortune. There were other saints like this as well during the Medieval days that were extremely popular for intercession. They were called upon for battle during the Hundred Years War but also to protect them during the terrible plague known as the Black Death. They are referred to as the 14 Holy Helpers.

I found everyone of these hagiographical stories to be quite unique and entertaining. They infuse historical characters who lived during the Roman Persecutions with mythical legends. It's no doubt that each of these 14 saints existed and showed some form of devotion to Christ. However some of their stories have been exaggerated into folk legends of divine intervention; such as Saint Denis walking with his chopped head, or Saint Margaret beating the devil with a hammer, or Saint George slaying a dragon. I think it's great allegorical tales, no different then the Old Testament legends of Noah, Moses, and Joshua. While the details might be farfetched, the core message is still there. These are all martyrs (except for Saint Giles who was accidentally killed) who gave themselves completely to Christ.

The Fourteen Helpers

Saint Eustace

• Years: 70-118 AD
  
• Nationality: Rome (Roman Empire)
• 
  Life: This was likely a legendary tale of a high ranking Roman general named Eustace serving under emperor Trajan who was a devout pagan. However one day while hunting he received a vision from Jesus as a stag (where there was a crucifix between the antlers). The voice of Jesus asked him why do you persecute me? At this Placidus felt the presence of the lord and completely converted and changed his name to Eustace (similar to St. Paul). He even had his family baptized. However Jesus warned Eustace that his faith would be tested and he would suffer the same way as Job did in the Old Testament. Eustace then lost his wealth, his title, his wife is taken by a ship captain, and his two sons are taken by wild animals. Eustace goes into isolation, yet despite all this tribulation he remains faithful to the lord. Eventually the emperor calls for him to lead his army, where he is miraculously reunited with his wife and sons who are all still alive. The emperor then demands sacrifice to the Roman gods, but when Eustace refuses he is sentenced to death. His martyrdom is a noteworthy death, where he is placed inside a bronze bull and roasted to death. Although it is legendary it is still a great story of preserving the faith despite the hardships that arise.
• Cause of Death: Burned to death
• Patronage: Fire protection, hunters, trappers, against family discord, difficult situations
• Symbols: Bull, horn, stag, oven
• Feast Day: Sept 20
• Famous Churches:
• Basilica di Sant'Eustachio (Rome, Italy)- 8th century- Considered his primary shrine with his relics, and a facade of a deer's head with a cross between the antlers
• Eglise Saint-Eustache (Paris, France)- 1532-1633- One of the largest and most impressive churches in Paris next to Notre Dame. Contains some of his relics.

Saint Denis

• 
  Years: 220- 258 (38 years)
• Nationality: Rome, Roman Empire
  
• Life: He was a Roman missionary who arrived to Gaul to become the first bishop of Paris. The majority of Paris was still very pagan at the time and he faced heavy opposition to his faith. Despite these warnings he continued to openly preach the word of Christ. He eventually caught the attention of the Roman authorities under emperor Decian, who began to persecute him. He was arrested, tried, and condemned to death. Perhaps his greatest claim to fame is the manner of which he was martyred. He we beheaded by sword, however according to legend he miraculously picked up his head and continued preaching a sermon. He continued walking for some time, and once he finished his sermon he lay down to die on his own terms. Of course this is likely a mythical aspect, however he is still regarded as a historical saint. He is one of the fourteen holy helper saints and is the Patron Saint of France.
• Cause of Death: Beheaded
• Patronage: Paris, headaches, strife, hydrophobia, possessed people
• Symbols: Bishop robes, carrying his head
• Feast Day: October 9
• Famous Churches:
• Basilica of Saint-Denis (Paris, France)- 636; Rebuilt in 1135- His primary shrine that contains his tomb and other relics
• Martyrium of Saint Denis (Paris, France)- 475- Chapel that is considered the site of his martyrdom
• Basilica of the Fourteen Holy Helpers (Bad Staffelstein, Germany)- 1743-1772

Saint Christopher

• Years: 220-251 AD
• 
  Nationality: Lycia (Roman Asia Minor)
  
• Life: This is very likely a legendary tale that emerged in the 250-300s. Saint Christopher was a giant from Canaanite who faithfully served his king. Canaan was a biblical region in the Old Testament that no longer existed at this time, but could also mean he was a pagan . When he saw his king was afraid of the devil, he went to confront the devil, and instead was convinced to follow the devil. He quickly learns however that the devil is afraid of the sign of the Cross which confirms that Christ must be stronger. He then sets out to find Christ thru prayer and fasting. He eventually comes to a large river, where a small child asks him to carry him across. Christopher carries the young child on his shoulders, but the river is powerful and they both nearly drown. The child reveals that he is not only carrying him, but also the weight of the world (thus indicating that he is Jesus Christ). This is how he gets his name of Christopher which means Christ-bearer. He is later martyred in very cruel fashion by putting him on a red-hot iron chair and even making him wear a heated iron helmet. He somehow survives all this torture but is eventually killed by beheadeding. His historical credibility is questionable, and in eastern tradition he is depicted with the head of a dog to imply this. He is considered one of the more popular saints during the medieval age known as the Fourteen Helpers.
• Cause of Death: Beheading
• Patronage: Athletes, bachelors, transportation, traveling, surfing, storms, gardeners, toothaches, epilepsy
• Symbols: Tree branch, giants, carry Child on his shoulders, spears, dog-headed man.
• Feast Day: July 24
• Famous Churches:
• Basilica of the Fourteen Helpers (Bad Staffelstein, Germany)- 1743-1772. Dedicated to the fourteen helpers with shrines

St. Erasmus (Elmo)

• Years: 250-303 (53 years)
  
• Nationality: Formia, Roman Empire
• Life: He was a bishop of Formia, who decided to hide in the mountains during the ongoing Diocletian Persecution. He hid there for seven years, until an angel appeared to him and convinced him to return to the city to bravely face his enemies. On his return trip he was captured by Roman soldiers, imprisoned, but an angel helped him escape. He then passed thru Lycia, Anatolia and converted many other people thru miraculous healings and baptisms. He was once again captured there, enclosed in a barrel of spikes and rolled down a hill. He survived once again thru the intervention of an angel. In Illyricum he converted many more pagans to Christianity but was once again arrested. This time he was famously disemboweled and had his intestines pulled out by a rotating windlass. This horrific death was likely exaggerated however it is one of his most recognizable details. For this alone he is one of the 14 Holy Helpers called upon for stomach sickness and electrical storms (which sailors referred to as St. Elmos Fire).
• Cause of Death: Disembowelment
• Patronage: Sailors, stomach sickness, women in labor
• Symbols: Intensines being pulled by a windlass, bishop robes
• Feast Day: June 2
• Famous Churches:
• Cathedral of Saint Erasmus and Marcia (Gaeta, Italy)- 11 th century- Contains his main relics and burial tomb.
• Basilica of the Fourteen Holy Helpers (Bad Staffelstein, Germany)- 1743-1772

Saint Blaise

• Years: 260-316 AD
• Nationality: Sebastea, Armenia
• 
  Life: He was a doctor in the city of Sebastea, Armenia (present day Sivas, Turkey). He spent several years studying medicine in a cave where he prayed to Christ and practiced medicine. During this time he healed many people as well as animals thru the divine intervention. The people came to admire him and he was later elected bishop of Sebastea. However the Roman emperor sent a Roman prefect to persecute Christians in the region which included St. Blaise. Despite imprisonment and torture with iron combs he refused to renounce Christ. As he was being marched to his death in the city streets, a woman presented her sick child hoping he could heal her. The child was choking on a fishbone and Blaise said a prayer to miraculously heal the child. This was his claim to fame and he forever became the patron saint of throat sickness. He was eventually beheaded and became a martyr. He is one of the 14 Holy Helpers called upon for protection against throat sickness and animals. The blessing of St. Blaise is a famous tradition now in some churches which includes two candles crossed over someone's throat to protect them from illness.
  
• Cause of Death: Beheading
• Patronage: Infants, animals, throat sickness, builders, stonecutters, wool, choking, veterinarians, illness
• Symbols: Bishop robes, animals, crossed candles, wool comb, choking boy
• Feast Day: Feb 3
• Famous Churches:
• Basilica di San Biago (Maratea, Italy)- 732- Considered his primary shrine with many of his relics. He is the patron saint of Maratea.
• St. Blaise's Church (Dubrovnik, Croatia)- 1706- Has many of St. Blaise's relics as well as the tomb of St. Silvan.
• Church of San Biago (Montepulciano, Tuscany)- 1518
• Basilica of the Fourteen Holy Helpers (Bad Staffelstein, Germany)- 1743-1772

St. Cyracius

• 
  Years: 260-303 (43 years)
  
• Nationality: Rome, Roman Empire
• Life: He was a Roman nobleman who converted to Christianity in his adult years and gave away his material wealth to the poor. He was ordained a deacon under Pope Marcellinus where he ministered mostly to the slaves in the Baths of Diocletian. He is also credited with preforming exorcisms. However in the year 303, co-emperors Diocletian and Maximiam issued harsh edicts against Christians that led to the Diocletian Persecution. This is considered the final severe purge of Christians before Constantine came to power. Cyracius was ultimately tortured and beheaded for not renouncing Christ. He was martyred with 27 other saints, including St. Erasmus. He is one the 14 Holy Helpers called for protection against demons.
• Cause of Death: Beheading
• Patronage: Temptation on the deathbed, viticulture
• Symbols: Deacon robes, book of exorcism
• Feast Day: June 7
• Famous Churches:
• Santa Maria in Via Lata (Rome, Italy)- 4th century- Although dedicated to Saint Mary, this is considered his primary shrine with relics
• Basilica of the Fourteen Holy Helpers (Bad Staffelstein, Germany)- 1743-1772

Saint Barbara

• Years: 270-306 (36 years)
• Nationality: Heliopolis, Syria
• 
  Life: This is likely another legendary story about a wealthy woman named Barbara who was locked in a tower by her pagan father. Her father sought to maintain her virginity and keep suitors away. While in the tower she came to appreciate nature and the monastic lifestyle which inspired her to convert to Christianity. During this time she was visited by a priest in disguise who baptized her while in the tower. Barbara later requested a third window be added to her tower which was to represent the Holy Trinity. When her father returned he questioned her motives, and she confessed her faith. He then had her dragged to the authorities, arrested, tortured, and executed. Each night her dark cell was miraculously illuminated with light and her wounds were healed. She was eventually beheaded by her own father, however immediately after the exeuction he was struck down dead by lightning. Despite her martydom her story is considered more legendary then historical. She is regarded as one of the 14 Holy Helpers popular during the Middle Ages.
  
• Cause of Death: Beheading
• Patronage: Architects, armorers, artillery, fireworks, firemen, mathematicians, miners, chemical engineers, prisoners
• Symbols: Three window tower, palm, chalice, lightning, crown of martyrdom
• Feast Day: Dec 4
• Famous Churches:
• St. Barbara's Church (Krakow, Poland)- 1338-1402- One of the most important churches dedicated to her that became a center for the Brotherhood of St. Barbara
• Mission Santa Barbara (Santa Barbara, California)- 1786- Franciscan missionary that was established on the feast day of St. Barbara
• Basilica of the Fourteen Holy Helpers (Bad Staffelstein, Germany)- 1743-1772

Saint Acacius (Agathius)

• Years: 270-303 AD (33 years)
  
• 
  Nationality: Cappadocia, Roman Empire
• Life: He was a Roman soldier who was Christian, during the years of Diocletian's heavy persecution. He was eventually discovered for not worshiping the pagan gods, and was forced to face Roman authorities. He refused to renounce his beliefs despite imprisonment and torture. He was eventually beheaded for his faith and became a martyr. During the middle ages he was later considered a heroic saint for his courage under pressure. He is one of the 14 holy helper saints often called upon during battle. He's one of the more famous Roman soldier saints alongside Longinus.
• Cause of Death: Beheaded
• Patronage: Battle, Soldiers, headaches
• Symbols: Wearing armor, Cross, palm branch, sword
• Feast Day: May 7
• Famous Churches:
• Cathedral of Squillace (Calabria, Italy)- 630- Has many of his relics and shrines preserved here.
• Basilica of the Fourteen Holy Helpers (Bad Staffelstein, Germany)- 1743-1772

Saint Pantaleon

• Years: 275-305 (30 years)
• Nationality: Nicomedia, Turkey
• 
  Life: He was the son of a rich pagan, whose mother was a secret Christian. Pantaleon studied medicine and became a skilled physician. He later met an elder priest named Hermolaus who asked him if knowledge heals or if it is thru God. Feeling unsure of himself Pantaleon then called upon God to help him heal a young boy that had been bitten by a snake. The child was immediately healed and Pantaleon became a devout follower of Christ. He eventually began healing the sick at no charge, all in the name of the God. Eventually the other physicians grew jealous at his successful healings and began to question his methods. This case made it's way up to Emperor Maximian who was eager to persecute Christians. Pantaleon faced a trial by faith, in which he was able to heal a man thru Christ, while the pagan priests were not. Nonetheless he was still tortured in various methods, and somehow miraculously escaped each attempt. Even upon his beheading the blade bent. Knowing his end was at hand, Pantelon told the executioner to try again, and this time the strike fell true. He is regarded as one of the 14 Holy Helpers who treats the sick and poor.
  
• Cause of Death: Beheading
• Patronage: Physicians, apothecaries, midwives, livestock, lottery, headaches, accidents, loneliness, crying children
• Symbols: Medicine box, spatula, spoon, martyr's cross
• Feast Day: July 27
• Famous Churches: 
• Chiesa di San Pantaleone Martire (Venice, Italy)- 12th century- Dedicated to St. Pantaleon. Largest canvas ceiling in the world
• St. Pantaleon's Church (Cologne, Germany)- 10th century- Oldest church dedicated to St. Pantaleon.
• St. Panteleimon Monastery (Mount Athos, Greece)- 11th century- Primary Russian monastery
• Pantaleon Monastery (Jordan Desert)- 6th century- Site of his burial tomb. Built by emperor Justinian
• Basilica of the Fourteen Holy Helpers (Bad Staffelstein, Germany)- 1743-1772

Saint George

• Years: 275-303 (28 years)
  
• Nationality: Anatolia, Turkey
• 
  Life: He is one of the most popular saints of the medieval age, regarded as the holy warrior. He joined the Roman Army where he quickly climbed ranks within the Praetorian Guard to become an office. His greatest claim to fame was slaying a dragon that was reeking havoc on a town in Libya. Legend has it the town had to feed the dragon sheep and children to keep the peace. When the king's daughter was selected she appealed to Saint George to save her. George made a deal with the king, that he would save the town if they all converted to Christianity which they gladly did. He then killed the dragon with a lance. Despite this heroic deed, George later faced persecution from the Roman emperor Diocletian. He was eventually tortured, dragged thru the streets, and beheaded for not worshiping the Roman pagan Gods.
• Cause of Death: Beheaded
• Patronage: Soldiers, Cavalry, leprosy, sheep, shepherds, farmers, armor, England, Georgia, Bulgaria, Ethiopia, Palestine
• Symbols: Crusader in armor, lance, dragon, Saint George's cross
• Feast Day: April 23
• Famous Churches:
• Church of St. George (Lod, Israel) 5th Century- Burial site of St. George
• St. George Cathedral (Timisoara, Romania) 1736-1774
• St. George's Monastery (Al Khader, Palestine)
• St. George's Chapel (Winsdor, England) 1475- part of Windsor Castle

Saint Catherine of Alexandria

• Years: 287-305 (18 years)
  
• 
  Nationality: Alexandria, Egypt (Roman-Egypt)
• Life: She was a brilliant noblewoman who completely dedicated to Christ after receiving a vision from God. She was renown for her intellectual ability and was later challenged by the Pagan priests. She debated nearly 50 of the top pagan philosophers at a time, and was able to best them all. Many of which were so impressed with her knowledge of Christ, that they themselves converted to Christianity (many of which are quickly executed for their failure). Catherine is also sentenced to death by the spiked breaking wheel, however the deadly mechanism breaks thru divine intervention. She is then executed by beheading. According to legend, upon her beheading, milk shot out from her neck instead of blood.
• Cause of Death: Beheading
• Patronage: Unmarried girls, apologists, potters, spinners, archivists, educators, jurists, librarians, mechanics, philosophers, scholars, students, school,
• Symbols: Breaking wheel, sword, crown at her feet, hailstones, bridal veil and ring, dove, surrounded by angels, scourge, book
• Feast Day: November 25
• Famous Churches:
• Saint Catherine Monastery (Sinai, Egypt)- 548- Believed to be the location of her tomb with many relics.

Saint Margaret the Virgin

• 
  Years: 289-304 (15 years)
  
• Nationality: Antioch, Turkey
• Life: She was a beautiful young teenager who choose the virtuous life in devotion to Christ. Her father was a pagan priest and he was greatly shamed and disappointed by her conversion. Furthermore a Roman official came on to her and had her arrested for not worshipping the pagan gods. She was even tortured in the prison chambers where she was visited by a dragon (representing the devil). She famously fought with the dragon, who swallowed her, however with her cross she was able to break free and defeat it. Despite enduring several trials of torture she was eventually beheaded. She became a feminine hero, and one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers called upon during the medieval age.    
• Cause of Death: Beheading
• Patronage: Pregnant women, nurses, peasants, exiles, kidney disease
• Symbols: Slaying a dragon or demon, hammer
• Feast Day: July 20
• Famous Churches:
• Saint Margaret's Westminster Church (London, England)- 12th century

Saint Vitus

• Years: 290-303 (13 years)
• 
  Nationality: Luciana, Italy
  
• Life: This is another of the legendary 14 helper saints popular during the Medieval Ages (especially Central Europe). He was born of a noble family from Sicily and became a devout Christian as a child thru his tutor. He refused to renounce Christ despite pressure from his pagan parents. He later fled to southern Italy, but was captured, arrested, tortured, and executed. According to legend he survived multiple torture attempts thru boiling water, wild animals, and savage beatings all thru divine intervention. Vitus eventually died from one of these methods, likely beheading (he was only 13 years old). His patronage to healing came after his death, where people prayed to him during the Black Death. He was especially associated to epilepsy, convulsions, and seizers which is how the St. Vitus Dance tradition began. People would often dance at his statue during festivals. Because of this tradition he not only became a saint of sickness but also a saint of music and dance. In retrospect his martyrdom was no different then thousands of others with hardly any mention of healing or dancing. However his legend grew after his death thru cultural practice.
• Cause of Death: Beheading
• Patronage: Actors, comedians, Czechia, Croatia, dancers, dogs, epilepsy, oversleeping, Prague, snake bites, storms, Germany
• Symbols: Cauldron, Rooster, lion
• Feast Day: June 15
• Famous Churches:
• St. Vitus Cathedral (Prague, Czechia)- 930- Contains relics of St. Vitus. One of the most iconic cathedrals in Europe
• Abbey of Corvey (Hoxter, Germany)- 836- Also contains main relics of St. Vitus
• Basilica of the Fourteen Holy Helpers (Bad Staffelstein, Germany)- 1743-1772

Saint Giles

• 
  Years: 650-710 (60 years)
  
• Nationality: Athens, Greece
• Life: The story of Saint Giles is likely one of a real historical monk that was turned into legend. He was a Christian from Athens, Greece but migrated to Arles, France that was under the control of the Visigoth Kingdom. He lived the aesthetic life in the forests of southern France in constant prayer and reflection. His only companion was a red deer, who provided him with warm milk and friendship. One day the Visigoth king Wamba went on a hunting party and chased after the red deer. He shot an arrow at the deer but it missed and struck St. Giles instead. The king quickly apologized and offered Giles medical treatment, but Giles refused and lived with the pain of the wound for some time. As a token of humility the king Wamba built Giles a monastery which he became abbot of a Benedictian order. He died shortly after the establishment of this monastery and is regarded as a Holy Helper for the handicap. Since his wound was accidental he's more of a monastic saint than a martyr saint, however I'm going to include here for the sake of the Holy 14.
• Cause of Death: Arrow wound
• Patronage: Beggars, blacksmiths, breast cancer, cancer, disabled people, forests, hermits, mental illness, outcasts, poor people, deer, Edinburgh
• Symbols: Arrow, deer, hermitage, hind
• Feast Day: Sept 1
• Famous Churches:
• Abbey of Saint Giles (Saint Giles, France)- 7th century- Monastery that was built by King Wamba, dedicated to Saint Giles. He is buried here in a crypt.
• St. Giles Cathedral (Edinburg, Scotland)- 1124-1243- One of the most impressive and historic churches in Scotland
• Basilica of the Fourteen Holy Helpers (Bad Staffelstein, Germany)- 1743-1772

Hagiography: The Early Church Martyrs

So now I'd like to focus on the Martyr saints that began immediately after the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This topic has extra interest for me, since St. Stephen (my namesake) was the first martyr. He could be included alongside the other apostles and disciples as the protomartyrs. They are defined as Christian followers who are killed willingly because of their faith. However I'm also going to include the Holy Innocents in this post, as they unwillingly died because of Christ. They are the unique case of martyrdom, as those who died in fact, but not in will. They were just children who had no knowledge of Christ, and yet still died for him and became holy saints. Whereas the rest of the martyrs willingly chose to die for Christ.

As I've laid out the groundwork for this post I've noticed there are different cases pertaining to the historical time period. Most of your early foundational martyrs were persecuted by the Jews or Romans since they were considered blasphemers. However after Constantine the Great accepts Christianity the criteria for martyrdom somewhat changed. It became more political in nature, where the cause of their faith was almost secondary to their political influence (examples: Saint Thomas Becket or Saint Oscar Romero). So I've decided to break up my martyrdom study into three distinct categories: The Early Roman Martyrs; the Medieval Martyrs; and the Modern Political Martyrs. I'm not going to include the apostles here, since I categorized them as witnesses of Christ in my last post. I'm also going to separate the 14 Holy Helpers, who were persecuted by the Romans but became extremely popular during the Middle Ages and beyond. 

Martyrs in Fact

Holy Innocents

• 
  Years: 4-2 BC (Under 2 years old)
• Nationality: Bethlehem, Israel
• Life: King Herod the Great had become aware of the prophecy of the coming Messiah and began to fear for his kingdom. He thus ordered that all male children in Bethlehem aged 0-2 were to be massacred. While some medieval estimates range up to 14,000 it's more likely to be around 30 children present in Bethlehem at the time that were killed by sword or dagger. These poor children were thus killed because of Christ, and are considered the first holy martyrs (even though they had no awareness of Christ). They are also considered the rare exception of "proto-martyrs" because they died because of Christ and not for Christ.
• Cause of Death: Sword or dagger
  
• Patronage: Foundlings, babies, choirs
• Symbols: Martyrs palm, crown of martyrdom, angelic children
• Feast Day: December 28
• Famous Churches:
• Church of the Nativity (Bethlehem, Israel)- 326 AD- Has a chapel within the church dedicated to the Holy Innocents
• Basilica of Sant'Eustorgio (Milan, Italy)- 4th century- Has many relics, paintings, and chapels pertaining to the nativity, the Magi, and the Holy Innocents
• Church of the Holy Innocents (Chicago, USA)- 1905- one of the largest churches dedicated entirely to the Holy Innocents

Proto-Martyrs

Saint Stephen

• 
  Years: 5-36 AD (27 years)
• Nationality: Jerusalem, Judea
• Life: He was a deacon and famously the first martyr after he publicly preached of the glory of Christ which defied a group of Jewish rabbi. The Jewish council considered his words to be blasphemy and had him stoned to the death on the spot. According to legend he died like an angel and forgave his persecutors in the similar fashion as Jesus did. The prophet Saul witnessed the whole event unfold and was then inspired to continue the ministry of the teachings of Christ under the new name of Paul the Apostle.
  
• Cause of Death: Stoned to death
• Patronage: Altar servers, headaches, deacons, bricklayers, horses
• Symbols: Stones, Palm branches, deacon robes
• Feast Day: December 26th
• Famous Churches:
• The Church of St. Stephen (Jerusalem, Israel) Built in the 400s as the site of St. Stephen's martyrdom and burial
• St Stephen's Cathedral (Vienna, Austria) 1137-1578- Beautiful cathederal that towers over Vienna
• Bourges Cathedral (Bourges, France) 1195-1230

Saint Ignatius of Antioch

• Years: 35-108 (73 years)
• Nationality: Syria (Roman Empire)
• 
  Life: He was an apostle of John and later became a bishop of Antioch. He is considered one of the early fathers of the church, and played a pivotal role in establishing it's structure (the clergy heriarchy, the eucharist, and early warnings against heresy). His rise to fame was quickly opposed by the Roman emperor Trajan who insisted he worship the Roman pagan Gods. When Ignatius refused he was taken prisoner and fed to lions in the iconic Colosseum. He famously welcomed the beasts and died a martyr.
  
• Cause of Death: Eaten by lions
• Patronage: Church of North Africa, Church of East Mediterranean
• Symbols: Surronded by lions in chains
• Feast Day: Dec 20
• Famous Churches:
• Basilica of San Clemente (Rome, Italy)- 1108-1203- Despite being dedicated to Pope Clement it still houses many relics pertaining to Saint Ignatius including his tomb
• Colosseum (Rome, Italy)- This was the site of his martyrdom

Saint Polycarp

• Years: 69-155 AD (86 years)
• Nationality: Smyrna, Anatolia (Roman Empire)
• 
  Life: He was a disciple of John the Apostle, who carried on his preaching and gospel. He later became Bishop of Smyrna (a booming trade hub in Anatolia) at an elder age of 80. The practice of Christianity was still considered quite illegal by the Roman authorities at this time, and he was eventually persecuted. Instead of fleeing Polycarp boldly welcomed the Roman guards with food and drink, then requested to pray. During his trial, he was offered a chance at freedom if he rejected Christianity as atheism, however Polycarp instead pointed to the Roman pagans as the true atheists. According to legend at his execution he requested not to be tied to the stake, so he could accept the flames willingly in the name of God. The flames however danced around him and would not touch him. At this point he was killed by one of the Roman soldiers by sword.
• Cause of Death: Sword
  
• Patronage: Ear aches
• Symbols: Pallium, holding a gospel book,
• Feast Day:
• Famous Churches:
• Church of St. Polycarp (Smyrna, Turkey)- 1625- The site of Polycarp's martyrdom
• Sant'Ambrogio della Massima (Rome, Italy)- 4th century- Dedicated to Ambrose but contains some of Polycarp's relics.

Saint Justin Martyr

• Years: 90-165 AD
  
• Nationality: Judea, Roman Empire
• 
  Life: He was a Greek philosopher, a pagan, who helped bridge the gap between Greek philosophy and Christian theology. He was instantly converted one day when an old man questioned why philosophers always disagree with one another, and yet Christ fulfilled the prophecy of the Hebrew testament. Justin then dove into theological studies and began teaching this as the one true faith. He wrote several famous works include the First Apology (155 AD). He openly debated with philosophers, pagans, and Jews about the undeniable truth of Jesus Christ. He is eventually arrested with other of his followers for his outspoken passion on the matter. He willingly faces his martyrdom by renouncing the pagan Gods as impious to the one true God.
• Cause of Death: Beheading
• Patronage: Philosophers
• Symbols: Book, scroll, philosopher's attire, teaching gesture, martyr's palm
• Feast Day: June 1st
• Famous Churches:
• Church of San Giustino (Rome, Italy)- 1952-1953- Considered the site of his school or his martyrdom. Contains many of his relics.

Martyrs of the Roman Empire

Saint Blandina

• Years: 162-177
• 
  Nationality: Lyon, Roman Gaul (France)
• Life: During the reign of Marcus Aurelius persecutions continued, in this case in the Roman city of Lyons, Gaul (present day France). Blandina was a young slave devout in her Christian faith, and faced cruel interrogation and torture. She boldly declared that she is Christian and we commit no wrong. She was eventually was sent to a public execution at the amphitheater, to be tied to a stake and exposed to wild beasts and bulls. She stood there calm, praying, and welcoming her deliverance to the lord. The crowd watched with amazement as she was killed by the beasts but stood resilient. While there were many Martyrs of Lyon she is the most famous for her courage and victorious manner in welcoming her death for Christ.
• Cause of Death: Scourged by wild animals
• Patronage: Enslaved, oppressed, victims of torture and abuse, endurance
• Symbols: Bull, tied to a pillar, bear
• Feast Day: June 2
• Famous Churches:
• Church of Saint Blandina (Lyon, France)- 19th century- Primary church dedicated to Saint Blandina and the Martyrs of Lyon

Saint Perpetua and Felicity

• Years: 182-203 (21 years)
  
• 
  Nationality: Carthage (Roman Empire)
• Life: Perpetua was a noblewoman from Carthage who began following Christ despite her father's protests. She began receiving visions including a ladder to heaven, her deceased brother at peace in prayer, and herself as gladiator fighting against an evil monster. She was eventually arrested alongside several other Christians including a pregnant slave named Felicity. Both gave birth before they were sent to the arena for a public death. Both were eventually gored by a bull, however reacted calmly, and stood by one another side-by-side as they were later killed by sword.
• Cause of Death: March 7
• Patronage: Mothers, ranchers, butchers, Carthage
• Symbols: Books, ladder, serpant, infant child
• Feast Day: Feb 1
• Famous Churches:
• Basilica of Saints Perpetua and Felicity (Rome, Italy)- 4th century- Dedicated to both women as one of the earliest martyr churches in Rome.

Saint Cecilia

• Years: 200-222 (22 years)
• 
  Nationality: Rome, Italy
  
• Life: She was another young virgin saint, completely dedicated to Christ at a young age. She was renown for her beautiful voice which she sang for God. However her parents forced her into a marriage despite her protests. Yet this is a rare story of love, in which the husband (Valerian) did not force himself upon her. Instead he honored her desire of purity and was so convinced by her faith that he too chose a life of devotion to Christ. Her husband Valerian is martyred first for his faith, then his brother Tiburtius. Cecilia is arrested several days later and is unsuccessfully beheaded. She survives the sword blows for three days preaching the word of the lord before she dies of the wounds. She is considered the patron saint of music.
• Cause of Death: Beheading
• Patronage: Sacred music, organs, singers, musicians, poets
• Symbols: Flute, organ, roses, violin, harp, harpsichord, songbord, singing
• Feast Day: November 22
• Famous Churches:
• Basilica of Saint Cecilia (Rome, Italy)- 817-819- The primary church of her burial place. It has undergone several renovations as far back as the 4th century.
• Albi Cathedral (Albi, France)- 1282-1480- Built in the aftermath of the Albigensian Crusade dedicated to Saint Cecilia. To this day it is regarded as the largest brick building in the world. 

Saint Cyprian

• 
  Years: 210-258
  
• Nationality: Carthage, Roman Empire
• Life: He was born into a pagan family in Carthage and did not convert to Christianity until his 40s. He was already very well educated and quickly ascended to the post of bishop due to his quick understanding of the Christian theology. During the Decian persecutions of 250 AD he fled for his safety but also the work he had down for the church. When he returned to his post he faced heavy scrutiny of cowardice for not standing up for his beliefs like many other martyrs had. He pushed for forgiveness thru repentance and continued to fully devout himself to the unity of the church. In 258 a 2nd wave of persecutions eventually caught up with him under Emperor Valerian. This time he did not run away but bravely faced his accusers to meet his death by beheading.
• Cause of Death: Beheading
• Patronage: North Africa, church administrators
• Symbols: Bishop robes, sword, palm brance, books
• Feast Day: Sept 16
• Famous Churches:
• Basilica of Saint Cyprian (ruins)- 380-400 AD (Destroyed during Arab conquest 698)- considered the site of his martyrdom

Saint Lawrence

• 
  Years: 225-258 (32 years)
• Nationality: Valencia, Spain
  
• Life: St. Lawrence first encountered Pope Sixtus II in Zaragoza, and traveled with him from Spain to Rome. There he was later appointed as a deacon working under Pope Sixtus II during the reign of Roman emperor Valerian. In the year 258 Valerian issued an edict to have many Christians executed (which included Sixtus and St. Lawrence). Before executing St. Lawrence they demanded he hand over all the church's valuables. St. Lawrence famously denied this request and gave all the treasures of the church to the poor and sick. He then suffered a terrible martyrdom being tortured and burned on a metal gridiron. He was famously resilient throughout his torture and famously told the prefect's to "turn him over as he was done on one side". He is often associated with St. Stephen (another deacon who was martyred) and is buried in the same church.
• Cause of Death: Tortured, Burned
• Patronage: Open fires, cooks, bakers, tanners, archivists, miners, poor people, comedians
• Symbols: Gridiron, priest robes
• Feast Day: Aug 10
• Famous Churches: 
• St. Lawrence Outside the Walls (Rome, Italy)- 6th century- Holds tomb and relics of St. Lawrence. One of the Seven Pilgrim Churches of Rome.
• San Lorenzo in Lucina (Rome, Italy)- 4th century- Has the famous gridiron relic that burned St. Lawrence
• Trogir Cathedral (Trogir, Croatia)- 13th century
• San Lorenzo in Panisperna (Rome, Italy)- 5th century- Site of his martyrdom

Saint Valentine

• 
  Years: 225-270 (43 years)
• Nationality: Rome, Italy
  
• Life: He was a priest from Rome, who was eventually martyred for openly preaching and converting people to Christianity. His greatest claim to fame was miraculously healing the blind daughter of a jail guard. He converts both the guard and his daughter, and writers her letter signed "your valentine". He is later condemned and executed for refusing to renounce Christ. The connection to being the patron saint of love and romance came much later during the medieval age. His association to romance was made famous by the poet Geoffrey Chaucer who wrote of birds courting on his already established feast day of Feb 14. So it wasn't so much his actions but more so his feast day that fell during the bird's mating season. By the 1700s this feast day evolved into one of popular culture to exchange romantic gestures with loved ones.
• Cause of Death: Beheading
• Patronage: Marriage, romance, couples, against fainting, beekeepers, plague, epilepsy, blindness
• Symbols: Birds, roses, bishop with a crippled person, rooster, priest bearing a sword or sun, giving sight to the blind
• Feast Day: Feb 14
• Famous Churches:
• Basilica of Saint Valentine on the Via Flaminia (Rome, Italy)- 1606-1618- Has many relics dedicated to him as well as his tomb
• Whitefriar Street Carmelite Church (Dublin, Ireland)- 1825- Contains bones and relics of St. Valentine

Saint Agatha

• 
  Years: 231-251 (20 years)
  
• Nationality: Sicily (Roman Empire)
• Life: She was a beautiful noble 15 year old girl, who made a vow to stay chaste in the name of God. However the Roman governor found her very desirable and made numerous advances at her. Since she would not give herself up to him willingly he had her arrested for being a Christian. He then had her tortured and famously removed her breasts. She was later visited by the spirit of Saint Peter who healed her. She was to be sentenced to burn at the stake, however a powerful earthquake disrupted this event. She was continuously tortured however including having her body racked and dragged over coals. She eventually succumbed to her injuries and died a virgin martyr.
• Cause of Death: Torture
• Patronage: breast cancer, bakers, nurses, virgins, rape victims, natural disaster, fire, earthquakes
• Symbols: pincers, breasts
• Feast Day: Feb 5
• Famous Churches:
• Catania Cathedral (Catania, Siciliy, Italy)- 1078-1093- Her hometown and site of her martyrdom that houses her tomb and relics

St. Maurice and the Theban Legion

• 
  Years: 250-287 AD (37 years)
  
• Nationality: Thebes, Egypt
• Life: St. Maurice was a Roman military commander of the Theban Legion from Egypt which included 6000 soldiers. He was ordered into Gaul (Switzerland) to persecute many Christians for not worshipping the pagan Gods. However Maurice himself was a devout Christian along with his legion and calmly refused the emperor's order to kill these Christians. The Roman authorities then proceeded to kill the soldiers of the Theban Legions in groups of ten, so that the rest would recant their Christian vows. Yet none of the soldiers renounced their faith, and responded with peaceful prayer instead of reactionary violence. Eventually all were killed by the sword to become martyrs.
• Cause of Death: Sword
• Patronage: Alpine troops, armies, armorers, clothmakers, cramps, dyers, gout, infantry, soldiers, swordsmiths
• Symbols: Banner, soldiers, knights, Africans in armor,
• Feast Day: Sept 22
• Famous Churches:
• Abbey of Saint-Maurice d'Agaunce (St. Maurice, Switzerland)- 515- The site of Maurice and his legion's martyrdom. One of the oldest monasteries in the world.
• Magdeburg Cathedral (Madgeburg, Germany)- 1209-1520- Contains several major relics of St. Maurice.

St. Alban

• Years: 250-300
• 
  Nationality: Roman Britain
  
• Life: He was a citizen in Roman Britain who sheltered a priest who was fleeing from persecution. While the priest was hiding, Alban became curious with his devotion to prayer, the gospels, and the Christian faith. Eventually Alban was inspired his faith, and asked the priest to baptize him as a Christian. When the Roman soldiers finally located the priest's whereabouts, Alban took the priests' cloak to pretend he was the priest. This allowed the actual priest to escape while Alban was arrested instead as a new Christian convert. During his trial he was ordered to worship the pagan gods, which he refused and was prepared to face martyrdom. During his execution, according to legend, there were multiple miracles that happened on this account. First on route to his execution, they could not cross the bridge due to pedestrian traffic and Alban was able to part the river with the hands raised to the sky (Moses style). The execution was so moved by this act that he later refused to do his task and was replaced by another. The 2 nd executioner succeeded in beheading Alban, however his eyes fell out shortly after and he went blind. This is a great tale (mixed with some legend) about a heroic act of sacrificing oneself for another.
• Cause of Death: Beheading
• Patronage: Converts, refugees, torture victims
• Symbols: Soldier with a large cross, decapitation, head in a holly bush, eyes of executioner falling
• Feast Day: June 22
• Famous Churches:
• Cathedral and Abbey Church of Saint Alban (St. Albans, England)- Very impressive Gothic Cathedral with a Benedictine monastery that was built on the site of his execution and burial. It is the centerpiece of the town of St. Albans

Saint Sebastian

• Years: 255-288 (32 years)
• Nationality: Narbonne, France (Roman Empire)
• 
  Life: He decided to enlist in the Roman army so as to defend Christians that were being persecuted at the time. He converted fellow soldiers while saving multiple Christians that were condemned to death. He eventually made enemies with the Roman authorities and was sentenced to death by emperor Diocletian. His body was covered with arrows from a firing squad, like a porcupine, and somehow he survived. He later revisited Diocletian to ridicule him so as to see the true power of God. Diocletian immediately had him executed again, this time he was killed by clubs. His dead corpse was thrown into the sewers but was later recovered by a woman named Lucina who received a holy vision from St. Sebastian with the exact location of her body.
• Cause of Death: Beat to death by clubs
  
• Patronage: Soldiers, plague, archers, arrows, disabled people, athletes, cyclists,
• Symbols: Tied to a post, Pillar, Tree
• Feast Day: January 20
• Famous Churches:
• Basilica of San Sebastiano (Rome, Italy) 300-350 (The burial site of St. Sebastian. One of the Seven Pilgrim churches of Rome)
• San Sebastiano al Palatino (Rome, Italy) Built in the 900s as a pagan temple but later re-consecrated as the holy site of San Sebastian's martyrdom.

Saint Lucy

• Years: 283-304 (21 years)
• 
  Nationality: Syracuse (Roman Empire)
  
• Life: She was another of the famous early virgin martyrs, who swore a life of purity to Christ. She was able to save her sick mother by praying to the tomb of St. Agatha. She was eventually wedded to a pagan man, who discovered her Christian faith and quickly had her arrested. During her trial she stated she could only sacrifice to the one living God and not to the Roman pagan gods. The authorities sent her to a brothel as punishment, to violate her purity. However by some divine intervention her body remained locked in place and they were unable to move her. At this point they stabbed her in the throat (or the eye) with a dagger to send her to her martyrdom.
• Cause of Death: Dagger
• Patronage: The blind, martyrs, salesman, throat, infections, writers
• Symbols: Cord, eyes, eyes on a dish, blindfold, palm branch, lamp, swords, woman hitched to an oxen, woman with St. Agatha
• Feast Day: Dec 13
• Famous Churches:
• Basilica of Santa Lucia al Sepolcro (Syracuse, Sicily)- 4th-6th century (Rebuilt 1693)- Site of her martyrdom and burial. There are catacombs associated with this basilica.
• Cathedral of Syracuse (Syracuse, Italy)- 5th century- very ancient cathedral that has many relics dedicated to Saint Lucia.

St. Vincent of Saragossa

• 
  Years: 270- 304 AD
  
• Nationality: Huesca, Spain
• Life: He was a deacon from Spain and is celebrated for his resilience in the face of great torture and martyrdom. It's very plausabile that he suffered the worse torture of all the saints, however endured it with great spiritual strength. He was persecuted by the Roman Emperor Diocletian after Vincent refused to worship their pagan Gods. His torture was a brutal one that consisted of being stretched on the rack, beaten severely, torn with iron hooks, burned over the fire, and salt rubbed in his wounds. Despite all this pain he refused to worship their gods and turn away from Christ. The emperor then wanted to have his dead body devoured by wild animals, however his body was protected by a divine force field from the angels.
• Cause of Death: Torture
• Patronage: Spain, Lisbon, wine, vinegar, deacons
• Symbols: deacon robes, ships, ravens
• Feast Day: January 22
• Famous Churches:\Valencia Cathedral (Valencia, Spain)- 1262- Although it is dedicated to Saint Mary of the Assumption, it also has significant chapels and relics of St. Vincent. This church also claims to have the Holy Grail
• Lisbon Cathedral (Lisbon, Portugal)- 1147; 1582-1629- Contains relics of St. Vincent and is considered his burial site

Saint Agnes

• Years: 291-304 (12 years)
  
• Nationality: Rome, Roman Empire
• 
  Life: She chose to follow Jesus at a very young age and refused to renounce him despite pressure all around. Eventually she was forced into an early marriage, however she fought against it declaring that she was married to Christ. Her young suitor then turned her over to the authorities who had her put on trial. She was sent to a brothel, where she was protected by divine intervention (her customers went blind and her hair grew long to r covered her nakedness). She was then sentenced to death by burning at the stake however the flames would not touch her. She was then put to death by the sword. This is one of many examples of the early virgin martyr. Her story is especially striking since she was only 12 years old and she is one of the more popular early martyr saints.
• Cause of Death: Beheading
• Patronage: Young girls, chastity, purity, girl scouts
• Symbols: Lamb, palm branch, white garment, sword
• Feast Day:
• Famous Churches:
• Basilica of Sant'Agnes (Rome, Italy)- 4th century; rebuilt in 7th century- Built over the site of her martydom. Holds her relics including her skull.
• Sant'Agnese in Agone (Rome, Italy)- 17th century; Baroque church built on the site of her trial