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.
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