Sts. Nereus and Achilleus (Martyrs)

Saints Nereus and Achilleus were Roman soldiers in the first century who served in the imperial army. According to tradition, they converted to Christianity after witnessing the courage and faith of the early Christian martyrs. Upon their conversion, they abandoned their military service, refusing to participate in the persecution of Christians. Their bold decision led to their arrest, torture, and eventual execution under Emperor Domitian. Buried in the Catacomb of Domitilla along the Via Ardeatina in Rome, Nereus and Achilleus became honored martyrs of the early Church. Their witness inspired many to remain faithful under persecution, and they are remembered for their courage to abandon earthly power for the sake of Christ.

Practical Lessons:

1. Stand Firm in Your Convictions: Like Nereus and Achilleus, who chose faith over comfort and safety, we are called to stand by our Christian values, even when it is unpopular. This might mean refusing to participate in gossip, unethical work practices, or social pressures that compromise our faith.
2. Make Courageous Changes When Needed: Their willingness to change their entire way of life after encountering Christ challenges us today to make real, sometimes uncomfortable, changes when we realize something in our life is not aligned with the Gospel.
3. Be Loyal to Christ Over Public Approval: Nereus and Achilleus chose loyalty to Christ over loyalty to worldly expectations. In modern life, this may mean prioritizing prayer, Sunday Mass, or moral integrity even when friends, work environments, or popular culture encourage otherwise.

Prayer:

Saints Nereus and Achilleus, brave soldiers of Christ, pray for us that we may have the courage to follow Jesus without fear. Help us to remain firm in our convictions, to choose what is right over what is easy, and to place our loyalty to God above all worldly honors. May your example strengthen us to live out our faith with boldness and love. Amen.

Quote:

“We have learned from our Master to prefer death to infidelity.” — Sts. Nereus and Achilleus

Other Saints We Remember Today

• St. Domitilla (2nd Century), Virgin
• Blessed Imelda Lambertini (1333), Virgin, Religious, Patron of First Communicants
• St. Pancratius (304), Martyrs

photo: Saint Domitilla with Saint Nereus and Achilleus by Niccolò Circignani,