First Martyrs of the Church of Rome Image: The Unpaved Path
(CNA) The early Christian protomartyrs of Rome were the first to be persecuted and executed en masse by the Emperor Nero in the year 64 and 65 before the martyrdom of St’s Peter and Paul (Feast Day: 29 June)
Nero was widely believed to have caused the fire that burned down much of Rome in 64 AD (rumor had it according to Franciscan Media that he wanted to enlarge his palace) which he blamed on the Christians and put them to death–many by crucifixion, others being fed to wild animals in the circus or being tied to posts and burned to death.
These first Christian Martyrs were called the ‘Disciples of the Apostles’ and their steadfastness in the face of their gruesome deaths were a powerful testimony that led to many conversions in the early Church.
- “May we have the same courage to witness (for) Jesus Christ and to change our society by the force of our love and example.”
Archbishop Jose Gomez, Los Angeles
Related: For Today’s Holy Scripture Readings for the Memorial of the First Holy Martyrs, Visit: USCCB