St Nereus and St Achilleus of Terracina were two praetorian soldiers who served in the Roman army.
They were also chamberlains to Flavia Domitilla, a niece of the Roman Emperor Domitian. They were baptized by Saint Peter and converted to Christianity.
Domitilla was also converted to Christianity by Nereus and Achilleus who inspired her to consecrate her virginity to God.
Her fiance, Aurelianus, was not happy about this and reported them to the Roman authorities. They were all arrested and charged with being Christians.
| St Achilleus of Terracina Biography | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Date of Birth | 1st Century AD |
| Profession | Soldiers in the Roman army |
| Place of Work | Italy |
| Place of Death | Terracina, Italy |
| Feast Day | May 12 |
| Canonization | Pre-Congregation |
| Patron Saint of | |
St Achilleus of Terracina Profile
St Nereus and St Achilleus were exiled to the island of Ponza (Pontia) and subsequently executed by beheading in Terracina.
Their tombs were located on a property belonging to Lady Domitilla, situated near the Via Ardeatina, in proximity to Petronilla’s grave.
The Tridentine Calendar, which was in use from 1570 to 1969, had a joint feast day on May 12 for Saints Nereus, Achilleus, and Pancras.
The name of Saint Domitilla was added to the feast day in 1595. The joint celebration of these four saints continued with that ranking until it was reduced to that of a simple feast in 1955 and then to that of a third-class feast in 1960.
In the present General Roman Calendar, which was revised in 1969, Saints Nereus and Achilleus (together) and Saint Pancras have distinct celebrations (optional memorials) on May 12.
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