The First Holy Martyrs

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The First Holy Martyrs

of the Holy Roman Church

Those many Christians who were tortured, crucified, and burned alive circa 64 A.D in Nero’s gardens on the Vatican Hill are honored today. These “first martyrs” or “proto-martyrs” of Rome were the first Christians persecuted en masse by the Emperor Nero in the year 64, before the martyrdom of Saints Peter and Paul. Nero was widely believed to have caused the fire that burned down much of Rome in the same year. He blamed the fire on the Christians and put them to death, many by crucifixion, by feeding to the wild animals in the circus, or by being tied to posts and lit up as human torches. These martyrs were called the “Disciples of the Apostles” and their firmness in the face of their gruesome deaths were a powerful testimony that led to many conversions in the early Roman Church. Many Christians from all vocations and all walks of life were martyred at the hands of Nero. This memorial today reminds us that Christians should seek sanctity regardless of their social status, age, or ability. It is possible for all of to become saints, “May we find strength from their courage and rejoice in their triumph.” Amen.