Saint Sicarius of Brantôme

Biography

Saint Sicarius of Brantôme, also known as Sicarius of Bethlehem, Sicarius the Innocent, and various other names, was one of the Holy Innocents who tragically lost their lives by order of King Herod. Very little is known about his personal life or background, but his martyrdom has earned him a revered place among the saints. Sicarius's life was cut short in the infamous Massacre of the Innocents, where King Herod, fearful of the newborn King of the Jews, ordered the slaughter of all male infants in Bethlehem and its surrounding regions. This act of brutality was an attempt to eliminate any potential challengers to his throne. Sicarius, an innocent child, became one of the countless victims of this horrific event. After Sicarius's tragic death, some of his remains, specifically a bone from his skull, were enshrined in the Benedictine abbey of Saint–Pierre in Brantôme, located in modern-day Brantôme-en-Périgord, France. This relic was placed there by Blessed Charlemagne in the early 9th century, during a time when the veneration of saints' relics was quite common. Over time, the relics of Saint Sicarius became a focal point of devotion in Brantôme. They were housed in a precious reliquary made of glass and bronze, attached to the wall of the abbey church. Unfortunately, with the suppression of the abbey during the French Revolution, the spiritual center was disbanded, and many religious artifacts were lost or destroyed. However, the relics of Saint Sicarius were preserved and survived this tumultuous period. Today, Saint Sicarius of Brantôme is revered as a symbol of innocent martyrdom. His feast day is celebrated on May 2nd in Brantôme, France, and some calendars observe it on May 1st. Devotees, particularly those who hail from Brantôme, consider him as their patron. While not much is known about Saint Sicarius's life, his martyrdom and the preservation of his relic have ensured that his memory lives on. His story serves as a reminder of the atrocities committed during the time of King Herod and the ultimate triumph of innocence through martyrdom. As a Catholic saint, Saint Sicarius holds a special place in the hearts of the faithful and continues to inspire devotion and reverence.