History & Biographies

St. Pancras: The Avenger of Perjuries

Martyr 
•Feast day: May 12 
•Born and Died: 289-304

St. Pancras, the Guardian of Children, hailed from Syria and belonged to a noble family. Orphaned at a young age, he was taken to Rome by his uncle. At the tender age of 14, he embraced Christianity and selflessly donated his wealth to aid the needy.

His altruism attracted the attention of the authorities, leading to his execution during the Diocletian persecution in 304. He found his resting place beside the Aurelian Way, where a church was erected in his honor by Pope Symmacus.

Basilica of Saint Pancras
Basilica of Saint Pancras

St. Gregory of Tours attributed to him the role of upholding justice, claiming that divine intervention would punish those who swore falsely in the presence of his relics, thus earning him the title of “the avenger of perjuries”.