The First Martyrs of the Catholic Church were Christians martyred in the city of Rome during Nero's persecution in 64.

The memorial of the First Martyrs of the Catholic Church comes one day after the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul. The first day, June 29, is the remembrance of the two most famous martyrs who died during the persecution of Nero; St. Peter was crucified upside down and St. Paul was beheaded. The second day, June 30, is the remembrance of the countless other nameless saints who died during the same persecution.

In July of 64 AD, Rome was devastated by fire. Largely made up of wooden tenements, fire was a frequent occurrence in the city. Rumour blamed the tragedy on the unpopular emperor Nero, who wanted to enlarge his palace. He accused that the Christians were behind the fire. Some historians believe that Nero, a demented and rage-filled person, ordered the fire set. Others believe that he ordered that it be allowed to burn.

Nero despised Christians because they steadfastly refused to participate in the worship of the wide array of Roman gods. He did not need an excuse to begin a persecution against Christians, but the devastating fire provided one. He made the Christians the scapegoats and initiated a massive persecution.

The public tortures and executions were horrific. At nightfall Christians were tied to stakes, covered with wax, set aflame, and burned alive – human torches. Others were crucified. Most of the Christian martyrs were mauled and devoured by wild animals. The victims were either smeared with animal scent or covered with animal hides and then placed in an enclosure at the palace or the centre of the arena. Then raging wild beasts that had been deprived of food were released as the emperor, his entourage, and the crowds beheld the gruesome sight. Many Christians were put to death from 64 AD until the end of the persecution four years later.

The first martyrs were called the “Disciples of the Apostles” and their firmness in the face of their gruesome deaths were a powerful testimony that led to many conversions in the early Roman Church.

The church of Santi Protomartiri a Via Aurelia Antica in Rome is dedicated to these first martyrs.

Other Saints of the Day
1. Saint Airick
2. Saint Basilides
3. Saint Bertrand
4. Saint Erentrude
5. Saint Marcian

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