Longinus
Longinus is the name given to the Roman soldier who pierced the side of Jesus with a lance during the Crucifixion. In Christian tradition, he is often described as a convert to Christianity who was healed by Jesus's blood, leading him to believe in Christ. He is venerated as a saint in several Christian traditions and is particularly remembered for his role in the Passion narrative and the creation of one of the Five Holy Wounds.
- Feast Day
- October 16
- Century
- 6th century
- Country Or Region
- Jerusalem
Key Facts
- ›The name Longinus first appeared in the apocryphal Gospel of Nicodemus, as the canonical Gospels do not name the soldier.
- ›In legend, Longinus was a Roman centurion whose blindness was cured when a drop of Jesus's blood fell into his eyes.
- ›This miraculous healing is said to have led to his conversion to Christianity.
- ›The lance he used is known as the Holy Lance and is associated with the 'Spear of Destiny' and legends of the Holy Grail.
- ›He is traditionally venerated as a saint in the Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox Church, and Armenian Apostolic Church.
- ›In Brazil, he is known as São Longuinho and is invoked to find missing objects.
São Longuinho
Finding Missing Objects
About Longinus
Longinus is the traditional name given to the unnamed Roman soldier who, according to the Gospel of John, pierced the side of Jesus with a lance during the Crucifixion. This act is considered by some Christian traditions to be the final of the Five Holy Wounds of Christ. The name 'Longinus' itself does not appear in the canonical Gospels but is first recorded in the apocryphal Gospel of Nicodemus.
Origins and Legend
While the Gospels do not name the soldier, later Christian traditions, particularly from the medieval period, developed his legend. A prominent aspect of this legend is that Longinus was blind or had impaired vision, and upon being struck by the blood of Christ that flowed from the wound, he was miraculously healed. This event is often depicted as the catalyst for his conversion to Christianity, leading him to be considered one of the first Roman converts and a significant figure in early Christian belief.
The spear used in the act became known as the 'Holy Lance' in Catholic tradition and is associated with various relics and legends, including its connection to the Holy Grail. Early traditions, such as a sixth- or seventh-century pseudepigraphal letter, describe him suffering for his act, sometimes involving a recurring mauling by a lion. Over time, these narratives evolved, solidifying his status as a saint.
Veneration
Longinus is venerated as a saint in the Roman Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox Church, and the Armenian Apostolic Church, often as a martyr. His feast day is observed on October 16th in the Roman Martyrology and by the Eastern Orthodox Church. The Roman Rite also previously observed a feast day on March 15th. His relics are said to have been discovered in Mantua, Italy, along with the Holy Sponge stained with Christ's blood, though fragments have also been claimed by other locations like Prague.
In popular devotion, particularly in Brazil where he is known as São Longuinho, he is invoked for help in finding missing objects. This association stems from folklore suggesting his short stature allowed him to easily spot items dropped on the ground. Iconic artistic representations of Longinus include a statue by Gian Lorenzo Bernini in St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City, which stands as a testament to his enduring presence in Christian art and devotion.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Longinus?
Longinus is the name given to the unknown Roman soldier who pierced Jesus's side with a lance during the Crucifixion. He is a figure in Christian tradition, often depicted as a convert to Christianity.
Why is Longinus important in Christian tradition?
Longinus is remembered for his role in the Passion of Christ, as his spear thrust is said to have created the last of the Five Holy Wounds. His legend also includes his conversion to Christianity after witnessing the miracles associated with the Crucifixion.
When did the name Longinus first appear?
The name Longinus first appeared in the apocryphal Gospel of Nicodemus. The canonical Gospels do not provide a name for the soldier who pierced Jesus's side.
What is the legend surrounding Longinus's healing?
According to Christian legend, Longinus was a Roman centurion who was blind or had weak eyesight. He was healed when some of Jesus's blood fell upon his eyes during the Crucifixion, leading to his belief in Christ.
Where is Longinus venerated today?
Longinus is venerated as a saint in the Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox Church, and Armenian Apostolic Church. He is also a figure in folklore, particularly in Brazil where he is known as São Longuinho and invoked to find missing objects.
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