Deepertruth: The Saint Tarcisius Story

In 257 A.D., Valerian issued is edict against the Christians calling for a universal decree executing Christians who refused to worship and give sacrifice to the Roman gods of Rome.  He seized property from those tried and convicted for being a Christian. 

Pope St. Sixtus II seeking protection from this latest edict by Valerian, sought refuge in the subterranean cemetery of Praetexatus on the Appian Way.  The Romans caught up with the Pope along with four deacons, Saint Januarius (who blood liquifies each year on the anniversary of his martyrdom), Vincent, Magnus, ans Stephen.  There were large numbers of Christians being captured many placed in prisons until their executions.

In 258, there was a 12 year old acolyte who had been raised with a love for the Lord. Tarcisius served Mass for Pope St. Stephen and after his martyrdom, he served under Pope Sixtus II      It was very difficult to offer much aid for the Christians in prison.  The faithful would gather in the catacombs for Mass and originally a deacon would carry the Eucharist to those condemned to die for their faith.  With the death of the last deacon, St. Tarcisius volunteered to take the consecrated Host to those in prison.  He had been successful in the past and the Romans did not challenge him before.

Pope Sixtus  gave St. Tarcisius several consecrated Hosts placing them in clean linen placed in a makeshift pix out of wood that was placed around his neck as a necklace.  He clutched the wooded box that was placed in a bag to conceal the content.