Saint of the Day: St. Pancras

Martyr (d. ca. 304)

His life

+ According to ancient traditions, Pancras (or Pancratius) was an orphan who was brought to Rome by his uncle, Saint Dionysius.

+ After converting to Christianity, Pancras was martyred for his public profession of the Christian Faith. According to legend, he was fourteen years old at the time of his martyrdom.

+ Devotion to Saint Pancras was quite popular in the Middle Ages, especially in England where Saint Augustine of Canterbury dedicated the first church in England to the young martyr.

+ Saint Pancras is honored as a miracle worker and as one of the patron saints of children. Today, the relics of Saint Pancas are enshrined in the sixth century Roman basilica built over the catacomb where he was first buried.

For prayer and reflection

“But the kindness of the LORD is from eternity to eternity toward those who fear him,
And his justice toward his children's children among those who keep his covenant.”—Psalm 103:17-18

Spiritual bonus

Also celebrated in the liturgy on this day are the second century martyrs Nereus and Achilleus. These Roman soldiers, serving under the Emperor Trajan, were converted to Christ and ultimately martyred for their faith.

Prayer

May your Church rejoice, O God,
confident in the intercession of the Martyr Saint Pancras,
and by his glorious prayers
may she persevere in devotion to you
and stand ever firm.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. Amen.

(from The Roman Missal)
Saint profiles prepared by Brother Silas Henderson, S.D.S.