Saint Votus De Atarés

Biography

Saint Primus, also known as Primus of Narni, was a Christian martyr and a brother of Saint Felicianus. Born in the 3rd century in Narni, Italy, Primus and Felicianus together dedicated their lives to spreading the teachings of Christianity during a time when Christians were heavily persecuted under the Roman Empire. As devout followers of Christ, Primus and Felicianus fearlessly preached the Gospel, which earned them numerous converts in the region. However, their zealous actions also caught the attention of the authorities, leading to their eventual arrest and imprisonment. Despite facing severe torture, both brothers remained steadfast in their faith and refused to renounce their Christian beliefs. The exact details of their martyrdom are preserved through ancient accounts. It is said that Primus and Felicianus were eventually brought before the Roman authorities and were condemned to death for their refusal to abandon their devotion to Christ. On June 9th, 286, they were beheaded along the Via Nomentana in Rome. In recognition of their faith and the significant impact they had on the early Christian community, Primus and Felicianus became the first martyrs whose remains were transferred from a basilica outside the walls of Rome. Their relics were preserved and venerated in the church of Saint Stephen on Mount Celio in Rome, becoming a site of pilgrimage for many faithful. While there is minimal information available about Saint Primus' representation in art, he is often depicted alongside his brother, Felicianus, as brothers in faith. Their shared dedication to the Christian cause and their martyrdom highlights a powerful bond of sibling love and devotion to God. Saint Primus was canonized as a saint before the establishment of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, commonly known as Pre-Congregation. His feast day is celebrated on June 9th, honoring the day of his martyrdom. Saint Primus is regarded as the patron saint of Bosa, a town in Sardinia, Italy. The people of Bosa hold him in high esteem and seek his intercession in times of need, particularly for protection, guidance, and strength in upholding their Christian faith. Although Saint Primus' historical records may be limited, his life and martyrdom stand as a testament to the courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to Christ displayed by early Christian martyrs. His story serves as an inspiration for believers, emphasizing the importance of remaining steadfast in faith and remaining true to the teachings of Christ, even in the face of persecution and adversity.