The First Martyrs of the Church of Rome are honored on June 30. The feast day has been celebrated beginning in 1969.

More than half of Rome was destroyed by fire in July of 64. The unpopular Emperor Nero was blamed for the fire but he accused the Christians to cover his own crimes. The martyrs were executed in many different ways. Some were burned alive at night to be used as living torches. Others were crucified and still others were fed to wild animals. The crime they were charged with was “their hatred of the human race”.

There was a large Jewish population in Rome at the time of the persecution. Paul had not yet visited Rome, however there were Christians living there.

St. Peter and St. Paul were probably among the victims of this persecution.

Emperor Nero committed suicide at the age of 31 when he was facing an army revolt and condemned to death by the Senate.

They are the ones who truly live, they who merit to be slain for Christ.

Quote of St. Peter Chrysologus; Feast day July 30

June is the Month of the Sacred Heart