SAINT OF THE DAY · JULY 28

Who were Saints Nazarius and Celsus?

Saintly Editorial 2 min read
In short

Saints Nazarius and Celsus: Milan martyrs who witnessed to Christ. Lived first century. Milan, Italy. Lay martyrs. Patronage: none specified. Bodies found by Saint Ambrose. Saintly remembers them on July 28.

  • Lived first century
  • Milan, Italy
  • Lay martyrs
  • Patronage: none specified
  • Bodies found by Saint Ambrose

Who were Saints Nazarius and Celsus?

Later accounts tell us Nazarius grew up with a pagan father who served in the Roman army. His mother loved Christ and brought him up in the faith. Nazarius learned from the apostles circle and wanted to share that message with others. Celsus was a youth who joined him. What happens when zeal meets danger?

Before traveling, Nazarius spent quiet time receiving teaching and learning how to speak of Jesus clearly. He did not seek comfort. He trained his heart for courage, and he asked for strength to keep others from wandering. Celsus watched him and learned the same discipline. Soon, they would step out of safety.

Zeal pushed Nazarius to leave his home city. He traveled with Celsus, carrying the simple message that Christ saves and that hearts must turn. The journey brought them through many places, speaking to whoever would listen. But travel always has a destination. When they reached Milan, the story stopped being only preaching.

In each new town, Nazarius spoke of the faith with real warmth. He was eager, but he did not trade his message for rewards. Celsus served him on the road, helping him keep going. People heard about Christ and were challenged to change. Then the message drew attention. Who would refuse the call to surrender?

In Milan they were seized and locked away. They endured long sufferings and afflictions in prison. The officials did not call their faith brave. They called it trouble. When the time came, Anolinus ordered their beheading. Nazarius and Celsus faced the sword together. What does that kind of death witness to?

When Christians around them were shaken, Nazarius and Celsus did not stay silent. They encouraged those who had been caught too. They asked for earnest prayers, not for fame, but for perseverance in faith. Their courage was steady. In prison, hope had a voice. And then the search began.

After the martyrs were gone, their story lay hidden in a garden outside the city walls. Saint Ambrose later found Nazarius with his head severed, still stained with blood. He found Celsus there too. Ambrose carried them to the Basilica of the Apostles, and healings followed. What verse can hold that hope?

What can we learn from Saints Nazarius and Celsus today?

  • Light a candle and pray for bold faith in prison.
  • Spend five minutes praying for jailed Christians, remembering Nazarius and Celsus.
  • Write one sentence of truth, then offer it before sleep to Christ.

Nazarius and Celsus show what faith looks like when it costs everything. Their witness does not end at the sword. The Church searched for their bodies and honored their courage, and that memory strengthens believers who face pressure today. Martyrdom is the supreme witness to the truth.

When is the feast day of Saints Nazarius and Celsus?

Saintly remembers Saints Nazarius and Celsus on July 28, when the story above is the saint of the day in the app. Read how the Church declares someone a saint, or how to choose a patron saint.

Sources

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