Saint Cyriacus The Martyr

Biography

Saint Cyriacus The Martyr was a member of the Roman patrician nobility who lived during the reign of Emperor Diocletian. Although there is limited information available about his early life, it is known that he was an adult convert to Christianity and that he dedicated himself to a life of service to others. Inspired by his newfound faith, Cyriacus renounced his wealth and devoted himself to helping the poor and needy. One of the significant roles that Cyriacus undertook was ministering to the Christian slaves who worked to build and staff the baths of Diocletian. It was during his time in this position that he became renowned for his acts of exorcism. According to legend, Cyriacus successfully exorcised devils from Diocletian's daughter, Artemisia, as well as Jobias, the daughter of Shapur, King of Persia. The conversions of these influential individuals and their families and households are credited to Cyriacus' spiritual intervention. During the persecutions of Christians initiated by Diocletian and Maximian Herculeus, Cyriacus and twenty others were captured and subjected to various forms of torture and cruelty. Refusing to renounce their faith, Cyriacus and his companions bravely accepted their martyrdom. They were eventually excoriated and beheaded in 303 on the Salarian Way in Rome, Italy. After their deaths, Cyriacus and the other martyrs were buried near the Salarian Way. Over time, the relics of Saint Cyriacus were translated to several different locations, including Santa Maria in Via Lata in Rome, Neuhausen, and the Saint Cyricus Abbey in Altorf, Alsace, France. Recognized for his holiness and remarkable acts of faith, Cyriacus was venerated as a saint even before the formal canonization process was established. His feast day is celebrated on August 8th. Saint Cyriacus The Martyr holds a special place in Catholic devotion as one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers, a group of saints who were believed to provide assistance and protection against various diseases and afflictions. Saint Cyriacus is particularly honored as the patron saint against diabolical possession, eye diseases, and temptations, especially at the time of death. In addition to these patronages, he is also associated with Altidona and Montebello sul Sangro in Italy and Saint-Cierges in Vaud, Switzerland. Though representation of Saint Cyriacus is not explicitly mentioned in the available information, he is often depicted in religious artwork as a deacon, emphasizing his ministry and service to others.