Category:Saint Nereus

Saint Nereus and Saint Achilleus, who were brothers, were martyred sometime in between the 2nd and 4th centuries, although it is thought more likely to be at the end of the first century or at the beginning of the 2nd century. In the fourth and following centuries a special votive Mass was celebrated on 12 May at the grave of Saints Nereus and Achilleus on the Via Ardeatina. They share the feast day of May 12th.

They had been soldiers and converted to Christianity. They resigned their commission, yet were martyred by decapitation. There are perfectly preserved pillars in a church that was directly above their graves, which had supported the ciborium ornamented with sculptures representing the death of the two saints, and the name of Achilleus is carved on it. Also, a large fragment of a marble slab with an inscription composed by Pope Saint Damasus I (the Bishop of Rome from 366 to 384 A.D.)was found. it is a well-known text from an ancient copy.

Died: Rome (Nereus and Achilleus); Terracina (Nereus, Achilleus and Domitilla, according to legend); Rome (Pancras) Honored in: Roman Catholic Church Major shrine: Santi Nereo e Achilleo; San Pancrazio Feast: 12 May