Saint Tarcisius
Feast day: August 15
Acolyte martyr who defended the Eucharist with his life in the third century.
Saint Tarcisius was a young acolyte of the early Church in Rome in the third century.
Tradition tells that during persecution he was charged with carrying sacred Communion to imprisoned Christians.
On the road he was intercepted by pagans demanding to see what he carried.
He chose death rather than profane the Blessed Sacrament, clasping the consecrated hosts until his last breath.
His martyrdom became a symbol of reverence and love for the Eucharist.
His liturgical memorial is August 15. He is invoked by acolytes and Communion ministers.
Dedicated prayer
To the acolyte martyr who defended the Eucharist with his life, we ask reverence for the Blessed Sacrament.
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