St. Narcissus
Saint Narcissus
When they lived:
St. Narcissus, also known as Saint Narcissus of Jerusalem, lived during the 2nd century. His exact birth date is uncertain, but he is believed to have been born around the year 99 AD. He passed away on October 29, 215 AD.
Where they lived:
St. Narcissus resided in the vibrant city of Jerusalem, a significant religious and cultural hub of the time. Jerusalem was part of the Roman Empire during his life and held immense historical and spiritual importance.
Notable world events during the time of their life:
- Roman Empire’s Height: St. Narcissus lived during the height of the Roman Empire’s power and expansion. The empire was marked by significant advancements in engineering, architecture, and governance.
- Antonine Plague (165-180 AD): During his lifetime, the Roman Empire was ravaged by the Antonine Plague, which had far-reaching consequences on society and may have influenced his life and spiritual outlook.
- Persecutions of Christians: St. Narcissus lived in a time of sporadic and localized persecutions of Christians. His life coincided with periods of relative tolerance as well as intensified persecution, which significantly impacted the Christian community’s growth and resilience.
- Parthian War (161-166 AD): The Roman Empire engaged in conflicts with the Parthian Empire, leading to territorial disputes and geopolitical tensions in the eastern regions. These conflicts could have affected trade routes and the overall stability of the region.
- Scientific Advancements: St. Narcissus lived during a time of scientific curiosity. Notably, his life overlapped with the works of prominent figures like Galen, a renowned physician, and Claudius Ptolemy, a mathematician, astronomer, and geographer.
Their patronage:
St. Narcissus is widely recognized as the patron saint of vineyards, vintners, and winegrowers. This patronage stems from a notable miracle attributed to him. As the story goes, he miraculously turned water into wine during a scarcity, demonstrating his spiritual authority and compassion. This act of transforming water into wine connects him symbolically with the biblical narrative of Jesus’ first miracle at the Wedding at Cana.
Life and Dedication
Like many saints that existed during the time of the early Church, Saint Narcissus lacks several details of his life in writing.
Saint Narcissus lived during a time when the church experienced several challenges. Not only were the people susceptible to the diseases that plagued them without a cure, limiting their ability to travel and preach, but they were also persecuted for their faith.
Regardless of all these problems, Saint Narcissus stood firm in his faith and devotion to God.
Saint Narcissus was born around 99 A.D. This date cannot truly be confirmed. However, this is popularly accepted as a measure to go by.
Narcissus was thought to have been born in Jerusalem; however, there is no data to prove this. Other than these pieces of information that are probably strewn together from pieces of historical writing, there is no more information about him.
There is no record of Saint Narcissus’ family or what he did earlier in his life. In fact, his story kicks off when he is 80 years old.
When he was around 80 years old, Saint Narcissus was made Bishop of Jerusalem. He was a holy man and highly respected in his city.
Around 195 A.D., Narcissus and Theophilus, who was then bishop of Caesarea, together presided over a council. The council was called to determine what day was fit for Easter celebrations.
At the Council, it was decided that Easter would always be celebrated on Sunday.
Saint Narcissus was a man who was said to have performed miracles. Saint Eusebius wrote about this, alleging a particular miracle for Narcissus.
Eusebius wrote that on Easter Eve, the church lamps had run out of oil. This was bad news because the lighting of the lamps was important to the celebrations.
Instead of being sad, Saint Narcissus had asked that the empty lamps and pitchers of water be brought from the wells. He then prayed for the water and poured it into the lamp.
The water was said to have miraculously turned to oil.
Legacy
Although he was widely respected for his gifts and calm manner, Saint Narcissus made several enemies.
He was accused of various sins by sinners in his town. These sins were so severe that Saint Narcissus started to lose respect in the eyes of the people. It didn’t help that the three accusers swore that they were telling the truth.
A legend has it that one of the accusers asked to be killed in a fire if he was lying. Another asked to be struck with leprosy. The last asked to be immediately blinded if he was found lying.
After all, parties were interviewed, and Saint Narcissus was found innocent. Needless to say, the three accusers were struck by their causes.
Due to this slander, Saint Narcissus retired from Jerusalem and went into solitude. He spent time alone, praying, fasting, and meditating away from civilization.
While Saint Narcissus was away, three bishops assumed his role without success. He returned years later and accepted the pleas of his people to become bishop once again.
Saint Narcissus was, however, very old and fragile, and he appointed Saint Alexander to be coadjutor. While he didn’t care for major matters alone, he continued to work for the people.
Death and Canonization
Saint Narcissus was said to have died around 216 A.D. He was said to have passed away in Aelia Capitolinia. He was canonized pre-congregation.
Saint Narcissus is celebrated by the Roman Catholic Church on the 29th of October and on August 7 by the Eastern Orthodox Church.
5 Interesting Facts About Saint Narcissus
- Did you know that Saint Narcissus was the 30th Bishop of the See?
- Did you know that some historians reckon that Saint Narcissus lived
up to 160 years? - Did you know that some historians reckon that Saint Narcissus
austere? - Did you know that while in seclusion, Saint Narcissus was
thought to have died? - Did you know that at the Council, it was said that Easter should not
be celebrated with the Jewish Passover?
Prayer to Saint Narcissus
God, you made St. Narcissus an outstanding exemplar of divine love and the faith that conquers the world, and you added him to the role of saintly pastors. Grant, by his intercession, that we may persevere in faith and love and become sharers of his glory. Amen.
Source:[https://www.catholicdoors.com/prayers/novenas/p04056.htm]{.ul}
