St. Pancras, Martyr

A young saint about who little is known is Pancras. He is thought to have been born in Phrygia around the year 290. He was brought to Rome by his uncle, Saint Dionysius, in the early Fourth Century where both were converted to Christianity. This was the period when the persecution by the emperor Diocletian was beginning. Though the circumstances are not known, it is believed that Pancras and his uncle were called upon to worship pagan gods and refused. Pancras, at the age of fourteen, was then beheaded. His uncle died later in prison.

At any age, it is never easy to stand up for one’s beliefs in the face of persecution, be it threat of death or just ridicule. This young saint had the courage to accept death rather than turn against his beliefs.