Saint Maris of Persia

Biography

Saint Maris of Persia, also known as Maris the Persian, was born into a noble family in Persia during the third century. Little is known about his early life, but it is believed that he lived a comfortable and privileged existence. Maris eventually married a woman named Martha, who is also recognized as a saint in the Catholic Church. Together, they were blessed with two sons, Audifax and Abachum, both of whom later became saints as well. Maris and Martha's family was known for their deep faith and devotion to God. As the years went by, Maris felt a growing disillusionment with the material wealth and luxurious lifestyle that surrounded him. He began to question the purpose of his life and felt a calling to serve others, particularly the poor and marginalized. Inspired by his Christian faith, Maris decided to follow the teachings of Jesus and give away all his wealth to those in need. His act of generosity and selflessness caught the attention of local authorities and brought him into conflict with the pagan establishment. During the reign of Emperor Aurelian, Christians in the Roman Empire faced severe persecution, and Maris, along with his entire family, became targets. In the year 270, Maris and his family were arrested and imprisoned for their refusal to renounce their faith. Despite enduring harsh conditions and physical torture, they remained steadfast in their beliefs, finding strength in their unwavering commitment to Jesus Christ. The persecution reached its climax when Maris, Martha, Audifax, and Abachum were sentenced to death. They were taken to the outskirts of Rome, to a place called Saint Ninfa, where they were beheaded for their Christian faith. The year was 270 AD. After their execution, their bodies were left abandoned on the outskirts of Rome. However, in 1590, their relics were discovered in Rome and brought to a place of veneration. Saint Maris, along with his family, were honored as martyrs for their unwavering faith and sacrifices. Saint Maris of Persia, along with Saint Martha, Saint Audifax, and Saint Abachum, was recognized as a saint by the Catholic Church. Their canonization occurred before the formal establishment of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, placing them in the category of Pre-Congregation saints. Saint Maris of Persia is known for his selflessness, generosity, and profound devotion to God. He is venerated as a patron saint of Caselette, Italy, a recognition that stems from the discovery of his relics in Rome and their subsequent transfer to Caselette. The feast day of Saint Maris of Persia is celebrated on January 19th, marking the day of his martyrdom. In the Jerusalem martyrology, his feast day is observed on January 16th. Saint Maris of Persia's life serves as an inspiration to all, reminding us of the importance of selfless giving, unwavering faith, and the willingness to sacrifice everything for the sake of one's beliefs.