I served as one of the seven deacons of Rome under Pope Sixtus II, charged with the care of the Church's treasury and the distribution of alms to the poor. In those days, the Church's true treasure was not gold or silver, but the souls entrusted to her care.
Following My Pope to Martyrdom
When Emperor Valerian unleashed his persecution in AD 258, Pope Sixtus was among the first seized. As they led him to execution, I followed weeping, crying out, "Father, where are you going without your deacon? You have never offered sacrifice without me at your side!"
The holy pope replied, "I do not leave you, my son. In three days you will follow me." He commanded me to distribute whatever remained of the Church's treasury to the poor.
The Deacon Who Gave Everything Away
The prefect of Rome, hearing rumors of great Church wealth, demanded I surrender it within three days. I agreed. Using those precious hours, I sold the sacred vessels and gave every coin to the widows, orphans, sick, and destitute of Rome.
On the third day, the prefect assembled his court, expecting wagons of gold. Instead, I brought the poor, the blind, the lame, the suffering—all those I had served. "These are the treasures of the Church," I declared. "The Church is truly rich, far richer than your emperor."
Martyrdom on the Gridiron
The prefect, enraged at what he called mockery, ordered me roasted alive on a gridiron over slow coals. As the flames did their work, I felt not the fire of earth, but the warmth of heaven drawing near. Finding strength in Christ even to jest, I reportedly said, "Turn me over; I am done on this side."
True Treasures That Cannot Perish
I did not count my life dear unto myself. What are earthly treasures compared to the inheritance awaiting us? The poor I served were my gold; their prayers, my precious stones. In giving away everything, I gained what could never be taken away.
