Saint Narcissus of Gerona

Biography

Saint Narcissus of Gerona, also known as Narcissus of Augsburg or Narcissus of Girona, was born into nobility in Gerona, Spain in the early 4th century. He dedicated his life to serving God and Christian communities as a priest, preacher, and eventually as the bishop of Gerona. During the persecutions of Diocletian, Saint Narcissus and his deacon, Saint Felix of Gerona, were forced to flee to modern Augsburg, Germany. While there, they encountered another saintly individual, Saint Afra of Augsburg, and formed a deep and lasting friendship. After the persecutions ceased, Saint Narcissus and Saint Felix returned to Gerona. However, their commitment to their faith led to their arrest. Despite enduring various forms of torture and suffering, they remained steadfast in their beliefs until their martyrdom. Legend surrounds Saint Narcissus and the miracle of the flies, which has since become closely associated with him in terms of patronage and iconography. In 1286, the army of Philip II of Burgundy besieged the city of Gerona. In an attempt to desecrate Saint Narcissus' tomb, the soldiers unintentionally broke it open. Suddenly, a swarm of stinging flies emerged from the tomb, causing chaos and havoc among the troops. The French soldiers were so overwhelmed by the flies that they eventually fled the city, leaving it in peace. Although there is no specific representation mentioned, Saint Narcissus is depicted in various artistic renditions typically seen in Catholic iconography. Saint Narcissus of Gerona died around 307 in Gerona, Catalonia, Spain. His relics are preserved in an urn within the San Narciso chapel, located in the church of San Felix in Gerona. Although Saint Narcissus lived and died before the formal process of canonization was established, he is recognized as a saint by the Catholic Church. His canonization occurred before the Congregation for the Causes of Saints was established, and he is therefore considered a Pre-Congregation saint. Saint Narcissus is venerated on several feast days, including October 29th and March 18th on some calendars. Saint Narcissus of Gerona is known as a patron saint against mosquitoes and stinging flies due to the legend of the miraculous flies associated with him. He is also considered a patron saint of Augsburg, Germany, and Gerona, Spain, the places where he lived and where his saintly presence left a profound impact.