St. Balthasar Biography |
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| Date of Birth | Between (20-25) BC |
|---|---|
| Country of Birth | Presumably Macedonia |
| Matrimony/Holy Orders | N/A |
| Profession | Royalty, King of Macedonia |
| Place of Work | Macedonia |
| Date of Death | January 6 55 AD |
| Place of Death | N/A |
| Feast Day | January 6 |
| Beatification | Pre-congregation |
| Canonization | Pre congregation |
| Patron Saint of |
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Saint Balthasar’s Life History
Balthasar, also known as Balthazar, Balthassar or Bithisarea was born presumably by calculations, around 25-20 BC and was one of the members of the legendary three wise men, mostly referred to as Magi, who went to visit and gift baby Jesus. He was referred to as the King of Macedonia, probably where he was born, and was the one that gifted baby Jesus with myrrh. His gift prophesied the future death of a king.
He was said to be of dark complexion with a heavy beard as described by 8th century’s Saint Bede. He and the other two, Caspar and Melchoir, all considered saints, arrived in Bethlehem after passing by King Herod’s palace as led by the star. They were instructed to return to the palace with the whereabouts of the new born king but as wise as they were, headed a warning from an angel to not inform the king as it would pose a great risk to baby Jesus.
Balthasar died on January 6 55 AD aged 112 and was buried in the shrine of the three kings in Cologne Cathedral.
Saint Balthasar’s Birth
He was born presumably between 25-20 BC
Saint Balthasar’s Death
He died on January 6 55 AD at the age of 112 due to natural causes.
Canonization
He was canonized pre-congregation.
Venerated in
He is venerated in the ;
- Roman catholic Church
- Eastern Orthodox Church
- Anglican Communion
- Lutheran Church
Relics
His relics were first moved from Constantinople by Eustorgius I in 344 AD to Milan. In 1164, Holy Roman Emperor Fredrick Barbarossa moved them to Cologne, Germany.
Major shrine
His major shrine is the Shrine of The Three Kings, Cologne, North-Rhine-Westphalia, Germany.
Saint Balthasar’s Feast Day
He is celebrated on the feast of the epiphany on January 6.
Attributes
He is attributed as a king bearing gifts on a camel and also as one of three crowns.
Legacy
The three wise men were the first non-Gentiles and non-Jews to come worship Jesus Christ. They represented that God’s gifts are not for the holy land only but are universal.
Saint Balthasar is the Patron Saint of
He is the patron saint of pilgrims, sawyers, travelers and motorists.
Saint Balthasar’s Prayers
Below is a prayer to the three wise men;
Balthasar, Caspar, and Melchior, your minds were prepared to receive a greater truth. Let us see in you an example of holy curiosity, of pilgrimage by light to light. When you discovered your treasure, you laid your gifts in homage. May our search also find. May our pilgrimage also end in truth followed by love.
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