Saint Marcellinus of Carthage

Biography

Saint Marcellinus of Carthage, also known as Marcelino or Marcellino, was a married Christian layman, a father, and a highly respected figure in imperial Roman North Africa. Born in Carthage, he served as a tribune and notary, holding an important position within the Roman administration. His close friends included two prominent Church Fathers, Saint Augustine of Hippo and Saint Jerome. One of the notable events in Marcellinus' life occurred in 411 when he chaired the Council of Carthage. This council aimed to resolve the ongoing conflicts between Catholics and Donatists, two Christian factions that emerged in North Africa during the fourth century. Remarkably, a total of 286 Catholic bishops and 279 Donatist bishops attended this significant gathering. Marcellinus sought guidance from Saint Augustine, who actively participated in the council, to ensure clarity on matters of doctrine and theology. As the representative of the emperor and the empire, Marcellinus ruled in favor of the Catholics at the council. However, the Donatist heretics refused to accept his decision. In retaliation, a group of them falsely accused Marcellinus of supporting Heraclianus, a usurper to the throne of Emperor Honorius. Count Marino, acting on these baseless allegations, ordered the execution of Marcellinus and his brother Agrarian, who served as a judge. Their tragic deaths in 413 were a direct result of defending orthodox Christianity. A year later, in a move that served as a posthumous vindication, Emperor Honorius admitted the mistake and cleared Marcellinus of the false charges that had led to his execution. This recognition of his innocence further solidified his reputation as a devout Christian who had been unjustly persecuted. Saint Augustine held Marcellinus in such high esteem that he dedicated his renowned work, The City of God, to him. This gesture underscored Marcellinus' influential role in theological discussions and his commitment to upholding orthodox Christianity. Saint Marcellinus of Carthage is honored on various feast days, including September 13th and September 12th on some calendars, as well as April 6th on certain calendars. Although the specific details of his patronage are not known, his martyrdom and unwavering dedication to the Catholic faith make him an inspiration for those who face challenges in defending their beliefs. While images or representations of Saint Marcellinus are not widely available, his legacy as a martyr and defender of the faith endures. Though he lived in a tumultuous period of Church history, his unwavering commitment to orthodoxy and his close association with Saint Augustine mark him as a significant figure in the Christian tradition. Saint Marcellinus of Carthage was canonized before the formal institution of the Congregation for the Causes of the Saints, during the pre-congregation era. His courageous stand and ultimate sacrifice make him a revered and respected figure in the early history of Christianity.