Saints Marcellinus & Peter the Exorcist

Today, the Church honors the courageous witness of St. Marcellinus, a priest, and St. Peter, an exorcist—two faithful servants who gave their lives for Christ during the fierce persecutions of Emperor Diocletian in the early 4th century. Though their execution was carried out in secret, the power of their testimony has never been hidden.

Arrested for their fearless proclamation of the Gospel, Marcellinus and Peter were thrown into prison, where they continued to live their mission. Marcellinus preached with power even in chains, while Peter ministered to the afflicted and drove out demons. Their cell became a sanctuary—where hearts were converted and faith was ignited.

Among those transformed by their witness was Arthemius, the very jailer tasked with guarding them. Touched by their holiness and moved by the truth of their message, Arthemius, along with his wife and daughter, was baptized and became a fervent believer. The saints strengthened the faith of the imprisoned Christians and brought new souls into the light of Christ—all from behind prison walls.

Fearing the spread of their influence, Roman officials sought to erase their memory. They were led deep into a forest called Silva Nigra, a dark and secluded place, and beheaded in secret to prevent public veneration. But God, who sees in secret, revealed their resting place. Through a miraculous vision given to St. Lucilla, the location of their tomb was made known, and the faithful began to honor them as martyrs.

Their story was preserved and made known through Pope St. Damasus I, who composed an epitaph for their tomb based on the testimony of Arthemius himself—once a jailer, now a witness to their sanctity.

Saints Marcellinus and Peter remind us that evangelization is not limited by circumstance. Whether in the public square or a prison cell, in health or persecution, God uses courageous hearts to spread His Kingdom. Their witness teaches us that courage, truth, and sacrificial love can flourish even in silence and secrecy—and that no attempt to bury holiness can keep it hidden for long.

“The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church.” – Tertullian