Saint Pancras of Rome

Saint Pancras of Rome, also known as Pancritas, Pancratius, Pancrazio, or Pancracio, was a young orphan who was brought to Rome by his uncle, Saint Dionysius. Born around 290 in Phrygia, he converted to Christianity and became a faithful follower of Christ. At the age of fourteen, Saint Pancras, along with Saint Nereus, Saint Achilleus, and Saint Domitilla, publicly proclaimed their faith in Rome. As a result, they were all martyred for their Christian beliefs. The exact date of their martyrdom is uncertain but is believed to have occurred around 304 on the Via Aurelia in Rome, Italy. After his death, Saint Pancras' relics were interred in the Saint Pancras church in Rome. However, they were tragically destroyed in 1798. Despite this, his head is still preserved and venerated in the basilica of Saint John Lateran. Pope Saint Vitalian later sent the relics of Saint Pancras to the British Isles as part of the evangelization of England. The purpose was to provide relics of the Church at large and to be installed in altars in new churches. Saint Augustine of Canterbury dedicated the first church in England to Saint Pancras, and subsequently, many churches throughout England were named in his honor. As a Catholic Saint, Saint Pancras is considered a powerful intercessor and patron saint against cramps, false witness, headaches, perjury, and for children, oaths, and treaties. He is also recognized as a patron of the Albano Laziale diocese in Italy, Iserlohn in Germany, and various other locations including Albano Laziale, Bovisio-Masciago, Calvi dell’Umbria, Campagnola-Cremasca, Campli, Campoli Appennino, Carapelle Calvisio, Carobbio degli Angeli, Castel Giorgio, Castellarano, Castelnovo ne’ Monti, Crespano del Grappa, Elva, Glorenza, Gorlago, Labro, Montecchio, Peccioli, Montichiari, Pontevico, Prata Sannita, Ramponio Verna, San Pancrazio, San Pancrazio Salentino, Sestino, Silvano d’Orba, Valle di Maddaloni, and Heerlen in the Netherlands. Saint Pancras' feast day is celebrated on May 12th, and he was canonized as a saint in the Pre-Congregation era. Although not much is known about Saint Pancras' specific representation in art, he is often depicted as a young boy or teenager, sometimes with a palm branch symbolizing martyrdom. Saint Pancras of Rome remains an inspiration for Christians today, his courageous witness to the faith and his unwavering devotion to Christ continue to inspire believers around the world.