Monday, May 12, 2014

May 12: Saints Nereus and Achilleus


Flavia Domitilla with
with Sts.  Nereus & Achilleus
by Peter Paul Reubens

History

During the first century, there were two Roman soldiers named Nereus and Achilleus who were from the household of the wealthy Flavia Domitilla. They were instructed to arrest and execute Christians by the emperor. They followed these orders until they met St. Peter. Peter taught them about Jesus, and they both became Christians, baptized by Peter himself. This took a great deal of courage on the part of Nereus and Achilleus, because they knew exactly what kind of martyrdom awaited them for believing in Christ. With Flavia Domitilla, who had also become a Christian, they were exiled and then killed for their faith. 

Activity

Do you ever feel like hiding your faith in Christ or your status as a Catholic Christian so that people will not tease you or reject you? Even though we don’t have to worry about being killed for our faith, it can still take courage to be open about our love for Jesus. Today, ask Saints Nereus and Achilleus to pray that you will be brave, and pray this traditional Prayer for Courage.

Saints Nereus and Achilleus, pray for us!

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