Saint of the day May 12, 2025

May 12 marks the feast of Saints Nereus, Achilleus, and Pancras, martyrs. Each was martyred for his faith in Christ, in the same year during the persecution of Christians under the order of Emperor Diocletian.

Nereus and Achilleus were soldiers in the Praetorian Guard, who became Christians--baptized by Saint Peter, it is said--and decided that they must give up fighting. They escaped from the guard, but were discovered and sent into exile first to the island of Pontia with Saint Flavia Domitilla and then to Terracina. There during the reign of Emperor Trajan in 100 A.D. both saints were beheaded. Their sepulcher is preserved in the cemetery on the Ardeatine Way, where a basilica has been built in their honor.

Saint Pancras (also known as Pancratius; San Pancrazio) was born in Syria or Phrygia and died in Rome, Italy, c. 304. All that is known of Saint Pancras is that he was buried in the cemetery of Calepodius on the Aurelian Way, which was later named after him. According to tradition, Pancras was orphaned and brought to Rome by an uncle, where both converted to Christianity. His name is Greek and literally means "the one that holds everything". As a boy of fourteen, he was beheaded in Rome for his faith. Pope Saint Symmachus, c. 500, built a church to mark his grave.

Saint Pancras is the patron saint of fidelity to oaths, particularly the oaths of faith taken during baptism and confirmation. Oaths taken in Saint Pancras's church at Rome were esteemed to have a special sacredness.

Reflection

Their martyrdom is a reminder of the cost of discipleship and the ultimate sacrifice that some are willing to make for their faith. Nereus and Achilleus were willing to give up everything, even their own lives, in order to follow Christ and bear witness to his truth.

As Christians, we are called to follow the example of these martyrs, to remain steadfast in our beliefs and to be willing to make sacrifices for the sake of the Gospel. The courage and faith of Nereus, Achilleus and Pancras, inspire us to persevere in the face of opposition and persecution, and to stand up for what we know to be true, even when it is difficult or unpopular.

As we ponder these great saints today, reflect upon the important fact that the seeds you plant in the hearts of others is not only for them, it is also for everyone that they will touch with God’s grace. The seeds we plant do grow, and though we might not always be able to point to the fruit that is borne, we can be certain that God will reveal this to us with great joy in the glories of Heaven.