St. Tarcisius

Very few historical facts are known about Tarcisius. Pope Damasus wrote a poem about him, comparing him to the first Christian martyr St. Stephen. According to this tradition, Tarcisius was carrying the Blessed Sacrament when he was attacked by an unbelieving mob; he died rather than let the Sacrament be profaned. Tarcisius was likely a deacon. He was most probably killed during the persecutions which took place between the mid-third century and the early fourth century. He was laid to rest in the Catacomb of St. Callistus. His feast used to be celebrated on August 15, which is now the feast of the Assumption of Mary.