Crescentius of Rome
Crescentius of Rome is venerated as a child martyr by the Roman Catholic Church. According to tradition, he was born into a noble Roman family and martyred at the age of eleven during the persecutions of Christians by Diocletian. His burial site on the Via Salaria became a significant focus of pilgrimage and veneration.
- Century
- 4th century
- Country Or Region
- Italy
Key Facts
- ›Venerated as a child martyr by the Roman Catholic Church.
- ›Tradition states he was born of a noble Roman family and baptized with his parents.
- ›Fled to Perugia during Diocletian's persecutions, where his father died.
- ›Beheaded at eleven years old on the via Salaria outside Rome.
- ›Buried in the cemetery of Priscilla on the Via Salaria.
- ›His body was translated to Siena around 1058.
San Crescenzio di Roma
About Crescentius of Rome
Crescentius of Rome is venerated as a child martyr by the Roman Catholic Church. While his life is largely understood through tradition and later hagiography, he is a figure associated with the early persecutions of Christians.
Life and historical context
According to tradition, Crescentius was born into a noble Roman family and was baptized along with his parents by Epigmenius. During the persecutions of Christians under Emperor Diocletian, his family fled from Rome to Perugia. It was in Perugia that his father, Euthymius, reportedly died. The family was then led back to Rome, where Crescentius, at the age of eleven, is said to have been martyred by beheading on the via Salaria, outside the city walls. This event is traditionally placed around 304 AD.
Veneration and relics
Following his martyrdom, Crescentius was buried in the cemetery of Priscilla on the Via Salaria. His burial site became a focus of pilgrimage and veneration during the Middle Ages. A significant event in his veneration occurred around 1058 when his body was translated from Rome to Siena at the request of Bishop Antifredus, with Pope Stephen IX facilitating the transfer. This act contributed to a popular cult of Crescentius in Siena during the medieval period. Other relics of the saint were translated to Tortosa in 1606.
Sources and reliability
The primary biographical source concerning Crescentius is derived from a manuscript copy dating from 1600, conserved in the Biblioteca Vallicelliana. However, this source, referred to as the Acta, is not considered reliable by historians. It was written long after the alleged death of the saint, likely around 1058, coinciding with the translation of his body to Siena. This suggests that the narrative may have been shaped by the devotional needs and interests of the time.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Crescentius of Rome?
Crescentius of Rome is venerated as a child martyr by the Roman Catholic Church. Tradition holds he was born into a noble Roman family and martyred at a young age.
What is Crescentius of Rome known for?
He is chiefly remembered as a child martyr who was beheaded on the via Salaria. His burial site became a significant place of pilgrimage and veneration during the Middle Ages.
When and where did Crescentius of Rome live?
According to tradition, he lived during the persecutions of Christians by Diocletian, suggesting a life in the late 3rd or early 4th century. He was born in Rome and martyred on the via Salaria.
What is the historical reliability of Crescentius's biography?
The primary biographical source is a manuscript copy from 1600, and the Acta were written long after his alleged death, likely around 1058. Therefore, the Acta are not considered reliable historical accounts.
Where are the relics of Crescentius of Rome located?
His body was translated from Rome to Siena around 1058. Other relics were later translated to Tortosa in 1606.
Related Saints
Adauctus
Adauctus is traditionally venerated as a Christian martyr who suffered during the Great Persecution under Emperor Diocletian. According to legend, he was an unknown individual who joined the priest Felix on the way to execution, professing Christianity and receiving the "added" name Adauctus. He is chiefly remembered for his martyrdom alongside Felix.
Agathius
Agathius of Byzantium was a Cappadocian Greek centurion in the imperial army who was martyred for his Christian faith around 304. He is remembered for his steadfastness in the face of torture and execution, becoming a symbol of resistance against pagan Roman authorities.
Agnes of Rome
Agnes of Rome was a Roman Christian adolescent martyred for her faith in the 4th century. She is venerated as a virgin martyr by multiple Christian denominations and is known for her steadfastness in refusing to renounce her faith despite persecution. Agnes is remembered for her young age at the time of her martyrdom and her symbolic association with a lamb.