Cessianus
Cessianus was an early Christian saint and martyr who died at the age of eight during the persecutions under Emperor Diocletian. His remains were presented to Bishop Mathias Loras in 1838 and brought to the United States, where they are now enshrined in St. Raphael's Cathedral in Dubuque, Iowa.
- Century
- 4th century
- Country Or Region
- United States
Key Facts
- ›Cessianus was an early Christian saint and martyr.
- ›He was martyred at the age of eight in 303.
- ›His martyrdom occurred during the persecutions of Emperor Diocletian.
- ›Pope Gregory XVI presented his remains to Bishop Mathias Loras in 1838.
- ›His remains were brought to the United States and placed in St. Raphael's Cathedral in Dubuque, Iowa.
- ›The remains were installed under the main altar in 1986.
About Cessianus
Cessianus (c. 295 – 303) is recognized as an early Christian saint and martyr. His life, though brief, ended with his martyrdom at the tender age of eight during the Roman emperor Diocletian's persecutions in 303 AD.
History and Veneration
The historical record of Cessianus's veneration includes the significant event of his remains being presented by Pope Gregory XVI to Bishop Mathias Loras in 1838. Bishop Loras subsequently transported these relics to the United States. They were initially placed within a side altar at the new St. Raphael's Cathedral in Dubuque, Iowa. Following renovations in the mid-1980s, a decision was made to move the remains to a more prominent location. On November 23, 1986, during a Mass, the wooden box containing the relics of Cessianus was installed under the new, freestanding main altar, where they currently reside.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Cessianus?
Cessianus was an early Christian saint and martyr. He is known for being martyred at a very young age.
When and why was Cessianus martyred?
Cessianus was martyred in the year 303, at the age of eight. His death occurred during the persecutions of the Roman emperor Diocletian.
Where are the remains of Cessianus located?
The remains of Cessianus are located in the United States, within St. Raphael's Cathedral in Dubuque, Iowa. They are placed under the main altar.
How did the remains of Cessianus get to the United States?
Pope Gregory XVI presented the remains of Cessianus to Bishop Mathias Loras in 1838. Bishop Loras then brought them with him to the United States.
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