Sts. Marcellinus and Peter
Saint Marcellinus and Peter
When they lived:
Sts. Marcellinus and Peter lived during the early Christian era, specifically in the 3rd century AD.
Where they lived:
They lived in Rome, Italy, which was the center of the Roman Empire during their time.
Notable world events during the time of their life:
- Persecution of Christians: One of the most significant events during their time was the widespread persecution of Christians under the Roman Emperor Diocletian. This was a time of great suffering for Christians, and Sts. Marcellinus and Peter were among those who faced persecution for their faith.
- The Crisis of the Third Century: The Roman Empire was in a state of crisis during this period, marked by political instability, economic decline, and military conflicts. This turbulent era had a profound impact on the lives of Marcellinus and Peter as they navigated the challenges faced by the early Christian community.
- Growth of Christianity: Despite the persecution, Christianity continued to grow during the 3rd century. The faith attracted followers from various walks of life, including intellectuals and common people, making it a significant religious and social movement of the time.
- Scientific Advancements: While not directly related to Marcellinus and Peter, the 3rd century witnessed some scientific advancements. Figures like Galen, a prominent physician, and Ptolemy, an astronomer, made notable contributions to their respective fields during this period.
- Crisis of the Roman Economy: The 3rd century also saw economic turmoil in the Roman Empire, marked by hyperinflation and financial crises. This had far-reaching consequences for the Roman society and the lives of its inhabitants.
- Emergence of New Philosophical Movements: Philosophical schools like Neoplatonism gained popularity during this time, influencing the intellectual climate of the Roman world.
Their Patronage:
Sts. Marcellinus and Peter are the patron saints of those who suffer from plagues and infectious diseases. Their association with healing and protection against pandemics is particularly relevant in the context of recent global health crises. Many believers turn to their intercession during times of illness and uncertainty, seeking their guidance and protection.
Their story, living in a time of religious persecution and turmoil, yet remaining steadfast in their faith, serves as an inspirational example for many Christians today. Their patronage reminds us of the enduring power of faith and the hope for healing in the face of adversity.
Bound by the Same Faith
Every June 12, the Catholic Church celebrates two distinctive individuals who are called by the same faith. Although no existing records detail these two saints’ early lives, it is evident that the church revered them.
Marcellinus was a priest, and Peter was an exorcist. Both are said to be fourth-century Roman saints who were murdered during the Diocletian persecution in Rome about 304 AD.
These two saints paid the price for their faith in God.
Following the decree issued by Emperor Diocletian in Rome against Christians and clergy, Marcellinus and Peter, just like many other martyrs, faced the emperor’s wrath for rejecting the Roman gods and fetish practices.
Freedom in Prison
Marcellinus and Peter were identified as Christians and were arrested and locked up in prison. However, the saints saw their imprisonment as another opportunity to evangelize and win souls for God. Their bodies were caged by the walls of the prison, but not their spirits. They were free in mind.
According to hagiography (writing or biographies on the lives of saints), Marcelinus and Peter, while in prison, converted their jailer, Arthemius, his wife, and daughter Paulina. Tradition holds that Peter freed Pauline, the jailer’s daughter, from demonic possession. Having been born witnesses to the Lord’s wonders, the family became Christians and were baptized by the clergyman Marcellinus still at the prison. Think of the Biblical Apostle Paul, Acts 16:25–40.
Their passion and faith in God strengthened other converts who were also in prison. They were made to appear before Severus, a magistrate determined to carry out the emperor’s decree against Christians. Marcellinus testified courageously and was tortured for that.
Marcellus was scourged, stripped of his clothes, starved, and left in a dark cell filled with broken bottles. Peter was also questioned and returned to the cell.
Still, none of them would denounce their faith.
Unmarked Grave
Pope Damascus I had said he heard of the story of Marcellinus and Peteras, a boy, from their executioner, who later became a Christian.
Plans were made to secretly execute and bury Marcellus and Peter. This is to keep the Christians from venerating their bodies and praying at their graves. Both men were marched to a forest later identified as Silva Nigra, about three miles from Rome.
They were ordered to clear a spot overgrown with thorns, brambles, and briers at the place of execution. This was an order they were too eager to oblige. At that very spot, they were beheaded and buried. Their grave was unknown until…
Discovery of the Saints
Proverbs 16:9: Man plans, but God directs.’ Marcellinus and Peter lay in an unmarked grave till the time willed by divine Providence had come for these martyrs to be known and revered.
Guided by divine revelation, a devout woman named Lucillia was led to the unknown graves of Marcellus and Peter. Aided by another woman,Firmina, these two women recovered the bodies of Marcellinus and Peter and had them appropriately buried.
These saints were buried beside the body of St. Tirburtius on the Van Labicana, known today as the Catacombs of Marcellinus and Peter.
Pope Damascus I, who was already a great devotee of these two saints, wrote an epitaph to adorn their graves. The veneration of the saints started in the early church. There is a church in Imbersago, in the province of Lecco, Italy, dedicated to them.
5 Interesting Facts About Sts. Marcellinus and Peter
- Marcellus and Peter are among the saints named in the traditional
Eucharistic Prayer of the Church, The Roman Canon - If you’re still in doubt, no place should be a barrier to doing
God’s work; look up to Marcellinus and Peter. Even in prison, they
evangelized and won souls for God. - Math 5:14 You’re the light of the world. Marcellinus and Peter
became a light to their executioner, who later converted to
Christianity after their deaths because of their strong faith in
God. Be the Light. - Heard of God’s perfect timing? Their grave was destined to become
oblivion by their executioners, but God’s time willed that the
Body parts should be revered. - According to the passion of Christ performed in Holy Week,
the 6th century, the jailer and his family, who were converted by
Marcellinus and Peter also suffered martyrdom. Artemius was
beheaded, and his wife and daughter were buried alive under a pile of
stones.
Prayer to Sts. Marcellinus and Peter
O God, you surround and protect us by the glorious confession of your holy martyrs, Sts. Marcelinus and Peter. Help us to profit from their example and be supported by their prayers. Amen.
Source: Roman Misaal
