SAINT NEMESIUS AND SAINT LUCILLA, MARTYRS - 31 OCTOBER

 

ALL SAINTS CELEBRATED IN OCTOBER

Saints celebrated on the 31st of October

SAINT NEMESIUS AND SAINT LUCILLA, MARTYRS

On this day, the Roman Martyrology* commemorates the deacon and martyr Nemesius and his daughter Lucilla, a consecrated virgin. They died in A.D. 254 the death of beheading for Christ. Pope Stephen had their bodies buried on the Appian Road. Under Sixtus II they were raised for the first time. Under Gregory V their relics came to the Church of St Maria Nuova in the Roman Forum, where Gregory XIII buried them under the main altar. According to Piazza* (II. 397), some of her bones are kept with those of St Cecilia. 

St Nemesius had been a war colonel before his conversion to Christianity. His daughter Nemesia was blind. Then he heard that Christ was able to make those who believe in him see, wherefore he promised to be baptised if it came to pass. Pope Stephen I, to whom they appealed, demanded acceptance of the faith in advance. Since both agreed to do this, they were instructed and baptised on the spot where the Church of St Pudentiana is situated today.

Here the father saw a brilliant figure approach his daughter, whereupon her sight was restored. Therefore they gave her the name Lucilla, i.e. the one that shines in the light. With them the whole family received holy baptism; the father also received the diaconate. This conversion gave a new blow to the shaky idolatry, and persecution followed suit. The daughter was the first to be beheaded, and her father saw her soul, encircled with glory, ascending to heaven.

The Bollandists list a number of feast days for them: October 31, October 25, July 31, July, 2, July 25 and August 27.

(Information from Stadler's Complete Encyclopedia of Saints, Volume 4, Augsburg, 1875)

*A hagiography source used by the authors 

Stadler's Complete Encyclopedia of Saints - Sources and Abbreviations

PRAYER:

Grant, we beseech you, almighty God, that the venerable feast of Saints Nemesius and Lucilla may increase our devotion and promote our salvation. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.