Largus
Largus was a Christian martyr who suffered during the Diocletianic Persecution. Alongside Saints Cyriacus and Smaragdus, he is venerated on August 8th, with his martyrdom and burial at the seventh milestone of the Via Ostiensis being the only historically certain details known about him.
- Feast Day
- August 8
- Century
- 4th century
- Country Or Region
- Italy
Key Facts
- ›Largus was martyred along with Saint Cyriacus and Saint Smaragdus.
- ›His martyrdom occurred during the Diocletianic Persecution.
- ›He is venerated on August 8th.
- ›He was buried at the seventh milestone of the Via Ostiensis.
- ›The exact details of his life beyond his martyrdom are not known with certainty.
About Largus
Largus is recognized as a Christian martyr, known for his martyrdom alongside Saints Cyriacus and Smaragdus during the Diocletianic Persecution, which occurred around 303 AD. Historical accounts confirm the names of these saints and the fact of their martyrdom, though detailed biographical information is limited.
Life and Historical Context
According to Christian tradition, Largus was among a group of martyrs who were killed during the reign of Emperor Diocletian. While legend attributes specific deeds to Saint Cyriacus, such as ministering to slaves and exorcising demons, the known facts about Largus himself are primarily his name and his status as a martyr. It is certain that he, along with his companions, was buried at the seventh milestone of the Via Ostiensis.
Veneration
The feast day for Largus, Cyriacus, and Smaragdus has been observed on August 8. Historically, this commemoration held the rank of Semidouble in the Tridentine calendar, later reduced to Simple and then to a Commemoration in subsequent liturgical reforms. Despite not being included in the 1970 reformed Calendar of the Roman Rite, Largus, along with Cyriacus, Smaragdus, Memmia, and Juliana, is acknowledged as a saint in the Roman Martyrology and is recognized by the Catholic Church.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were Largus, Cyriacus, and Smaragdus?
Largus, Cyriacus, and Smaragdus were Christian martyrs who died during the Diocletianic Persecution. While little is known with certainty about Largus and Smaragdus, Cyriacus is traditionally described as a Roman nobleman who ministered to slaves.
When is the feast day for Largus?
Largus is venerated on August 8th, a date shared with his companions Saints Cyriacus and Smaragdus.
What is known about the burial place of Largus?
The only detail known with certainty about Largus, aside from his name and martyrdom, is that he was buried at the seventh milestone of the Via Ostiensis on August 8th.
Were Largus and his companions officially recognized saints?
Yes, Largus, Cyriacus, and Smaragdus are recognized saints of the Catholic Church. They are included in the Roman Martyrology, and their feast day was historically observed in the Roman Rite liturgy.
Related Saints
Genesius of Arles
Genesius of Arles was a notary martyred in the early 4th century under Emperor Maximian. He is venerated as the patron saint of notaries and secretaries and invoked against chilblains and scurf. His story highlights his defiance of an unjust decree against Christians, leading to his martyrdom and baptism in his own blood.
Hermes
Saint Hermes was a martyr venerated in both the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches, who died in Rome in 120 AD. His early cult is attested, and he is remembered for his martyrdom, with later traditions associating him with healing mental illnesses. His veneration spread, with relics traveling to various European locations.
Sabina
Sabina of Rome was a Roman Christian martyr venerated in both the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches. She converted to Christianity through the influence of her slave, Serapia, and was later martyred for her faith in Rome. Her relics were eventually translated to the basilica bearing her name on the Aventine Hill.