Celebrating Sts. Nazarius and Celsus, Victor I, and Innocent I, Martyrs on July 28.
The Church honors Sts. Nazarius and Celsus, and Popes Victor I and Innocent I on July 28. These saints span centuries but share a common witness: they remained faithful under pressure, and they served the Church when it needed clarity, courage, and care.
Sts. Nazarius and Celsus were martyred in the early days of Christianity, during the fierce persecutions under Nero. Nazarius, a disciple of the apostles, was known for his preaching and zeal, and Celsus, a boy entrusted to his care, became his companion in martyrdom. Their story reminds us that holiness is not tied to age or rank—it is about fidelity and courage, even in suffering.
Pope St. Victor I, who served from 189 to 199, was the first African pope and a bold leader in defining orthodoxy. He defended the date of Easter, supported persecuted communities, and excommunicated heretics when necessary. He led with clarity and conviction in a Church still shaping its voice.
Pope St. Innocent I, who served from 401 to 417, guided the Church through difficult times—dealing with the sacking of Rome and responding to theological disputes with both resolve and pastoral care. He maintained the primacy of the Roman See and supported leaders like St. Augustine in combating heresies.
For Catholic professionals today, these saints model different forms of leadership—bold proclamation, nurturing mentorship, administrative clarity, and spiritual endurance. Whether you guide a team, teach a class, serve a client, or support a cause, their lives show that every role—when lived with integrity—can become a form of martyrdom and mission.