A portrait of St. Nereus
St. Nereus
d. c. 304
Feast
May 12 · IV c.
Patron of
Soldiers · Roman martyrs
Order
Soldiers / Martyrs
Roman martyrs (d. c. 304), traditionally praetorian guards or chamberlains of Domitilla, beheaded under Diocletian for refusing to renounce Christianity. Pope Damasus's verse inscription survives in the catacomb of Domitilla. Pre-Congregation; Roman Canon companions.
Life & Times
Died: c. 304 · From: Rome / Italy.
Patronage
St. Nereus is invoked as the patron of soldiers, roman martyrs. Those in these callings or circumstances often turn to this saint in prayer.
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Devotional items honoring St. Nereus, from our Sancta Lumina collection and beyond.
About Catholic Saints
Catholic saints, including St. Nereus, are Christians whom the Catholic Church has formally recognized as having lived lifes of heroic holiness and who now dwell with God in heaven, offering an example of faith for those still on their earthly journey. Catholics don't worship saints, but ask them to pray to God with us and for us — much as one might ask a trusted friend to pray for them — trusting that those closest to God can join their voices to ours before Him. Discover more saints in the Catholic Shop Saints section.