Saints’ of the Week

S. Nereus – 12th May

Nereus was a Roman soldier at the time of Diocletian. He was put to death – probably in 304 – for refusing to serve in the army after being converted to Christianity. He was transported to the Island on Terracina where he was beheaded. A church is built over his tomb.

S. Achilleus – 12th May

Achilleus was also a Roman soldier at the time of Diocletian, and suffered the same fate as Nereus, and for the same reason.

S. Pancras – 12th May

There is no reliable historical data about S. Pancras. According to early tradition he was a Phrygian by race and a member of the Roman Church. At the age of 14 he was martyred on the Via Aurelia during the time of the Diocletian persecution.

S. Matthias – 14th May

Matthias was chosen by lot after the Ascension to replace Judas Iscariot. It is implied that he had been a follower of Christ from the beginning of His ministry, but he is not mentioned elsewhere in the New Testament. According to some traditions he preached the Gospel in Ethiopia.