Tarcisius
Tarcisius was a martyr of the early Christian church in the 3rd century, known for his devotion to the Eucharist. He is chiefly remembered for preferring death rather than allowing the Blessed Sacrament he was carrying to be profaned by a mob.
- Feast Day
- August 15
- Century
- 3rd century
- Country Or Region
- Italy
Key Facts
- ›Tarcisius was a martyr of the early Christian church who lived in the 3rd century.
- ›The primary source of information about Tarcisius is a poem by Pope Damasus I, who lived in the second half of the 4th century.
- ›Damasus compared Tarcisius to Saint Stephen, noting that while Stephen was stoned, Tarcisius was beaten to death while carrying the Blessed Sacrament.
- ›A 6th-century account suggests he may have been an acolyte, while Damasus's comparison to Stephen implies he might have been a deacon.
- ›According to legend, he was entrusted with bringing the Eucharist to condemned Christians in prison during a Roman persecution.
- ›His relics were moved to various churches in Rome and are currently believed to be in Naples.
Altar Servers, First Communicants
About Tarcisius
Tarcisius was a martyr of the early Christian church who lived in the 3rd century. While little is definitively known about his life, his story of martyrdom is preserved through later tradition and a poetic inscription by Pope Damasus I.
Life and Historical Context
The primary source of information about Tarcisius is a poem by Pope Damasus I, who served as pope from 366 to 384. Damasus compares Tarcisius to Saint Stephen, suggesting Tarcisius was also stoned by a crowd. However, the poem specifically states that Tarcisius, while carrying the Blessed Sacrament, was attacked by a group and beaten to death.
Later accounts, such as a 6th-century text, identify him as an acolyte. A developed legend suggests he was a young boy during the 3rd-century Roman persecutions, possibly under Emperor Valerian. In this narrative, he was entrusted with bringing the Eucharist to condemned Christians in prison and chose death over allowing the sacred host to be defiled.
Veneration and Legacy
Tarcisius was initially buried in the Catacombs of San Callisto, with Damasus's inscription later placed on his tomb. His relics were eventually moved to the San Silvestro in Capite church in Rome, though subsequent excavations to find them were unsuccessful. Currently, his relics are housed in the Chapel of the Guardian Angel in the Church of San Domenico Maggiore in Naples, having been transferred there in 1646. A relic is also preserved in Rome at the Salesian Institute of Saint Tarcisius.
His feast day is celebrated on August 15, which coincides with the solemnity of the Assumption of Mary. Consequently, his memorial is not included in the General Roman Calendar but is listed in the Roman Martyrology. Tarcisius is venerated as the patron saint of altar servers and first communicants.
His story was notably expanded by Cardinal Nicholas Wiseman in his novel "Fabiola, or the Church in the Catacombs." The municipality of Saint-Tharcisius in Quebec, Canada, is named in his honor, as is a bell in Vienna's Stephansdom. Several Catholic churches, including one on London Road in Camberley, England, and parishes in Framingham, Massachusetts, and Chicago, Illinois, are dedicated to him. Notably, Saint José Sánchez del Río was nicknamed 'Tarcisius' in recognition of his own martyrdom.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Tarcisius?
Tarcisius was a martyr of the early Christian church who lived in the 3rd century. He is known for his martyrdom while carrying the Blessed Sacrament.
What is Tarcisius most remembered for?
He is chiefly remembered for his steadfastness in protecting the Blessed Sacrament, preferring to be beaten to death rather than surrender it to a mob.
What is the main source of information about Tarcisius?
The little that is known about Tarcisius comes primarily from a poem composed in his honor by Pope Damasus I, who lived in the second half of the 4th century.
When is Tarcisius's feast day?
His feast day is celebrated on August 15th, which is the solemnity of the Assumption of Mary. Due to this, his memorial is not included in the General Roman Calendar but he is listed in the Roman Martyrology.
Who is Tarcisius the patron saint of?
Tarcisius is the patron saint of altar servers and first communicants.
Related Saints
Julius of Rome
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John Berchmans
John Berchmans was a Belgian Jesuit scholastic revered as a saint in the Catholic Church. He is remembered for his spiritual devotion, his influence on students and altar servers, and his patronage of those in academic pursuits. His life, though short, exemplifies deep piety and dedication to his faith.
Pope Pontian
Pope Pontian was the bishop of Rome from 21 July 230 to 28 September 235. He is remembered as the first pope to abdicate his office, a decision made to facilitate an orderly transition and end an eighteen-year schism within the Church. Pontian was exiled to Sardinia during a persecution of Christians and died there in October 235.