Within a few short years of Christ's death we begin to see the first martyrs being killed for their faith. Nero, the Roman Emperor of the time wanted to extend his palace so it is believed that he started the great fire of Rome which destroyed a huge section of The city. The people blamed him, but Nero was very quick to shift the responsibility onto the Christians. Many were subsequently condemned to death. Those first Martyrs were killed by crucifixion, being fed to the lions or were tied up and set a light and used as human torches.
These Martyrs stand ready to intercede and help us in our own times when so many are being persecuted for their faith. Let us cry out to them on their feast day and ask for their help to stand firm in our faith in Our Lord Jesus Christ.
