Feast: May 12

St. Pancras was born around the year 289 AD in Synnada, Phrygia (current day Turkey). His mother died during childbirth and his father died when he was only eight years old. As a result, he was entrusted to his uncle, Dionysius, and they moved to Rome. Both of them converted to Christianity and Pancras had a great zeal for the faith. Roman Emperor Diocletian persecuted Christians during this time and in 303 AD Pancras was arrested and brought before the authorities. He was asked to perform a sacrifice to the Roman gods but he refused. Diocletian was amazed by the young man’s defiance so he offered him wealth and power but Pancras still refused. Therefore, the emperor ordered him to be decapitated. Pancras was martyred for his faith on May 12, 303 AD. Today we honor St. Pancras because of his heroic witness and fidelity to the Catholic faith at such a young age. He is the patron saint of children.

http://parish.rcdow.org.uk/kingsburygreen/patronsaint2/

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