St. Tarcisius
Feast 08-15
Patron of
About
Tarcisius was a young Christian of Rome in the third century, remembered as a martyr of the Eucharist. According to tradition, during a time of persecution he was carrying the Blessed Sacrament to imprisoned Christians when he was stopped by a mob. Rather than surrender the Eucharist, he was beaten to death.
He is one of the earliest known acolytes, and his story has inspired devotion to the Eucharist among young people for centuries. Pope Damasus I honored him with an inscription comparing him to St. Stephen.
He is venerated as a patron of altar servers and first communicants.
Prayer
St. Tarcisius, who died rather than surrender the Blessed Sacrament, give to altar servers and first communicants your reverence for the Body of Christ. Amen.