Saints Marius, Martha, Audiface and Abachum
Feast Day: January 19
Saints Marius, Martha, Audiface, and Abachum were a family who lived long ago. They were Christians who gave everything to follow Jesus. Their story is about love, courage, and faith even when things were very hard.
Marius was the father. Martha was the mother. Audiface and Abachum were their two sons. They are also sometimes called Mari, Martha, Audifax, and Abacuc in old writings.
They lived during the time when Christians were often punished for their faith. They traveled far from their home to help others who were suffering.
They gave comfort to people who were jailed and hurt because they loved Jesus. In doing this, they risked their own lives. In the end, they became martyrs themselves.
Today, they are honored by the Church as saints. Their feast day is celebrated on January 19.
A Family on a Journey
Not much is known about their early life. It is believed they came from Persia, which is in the area of modern-day Iran. They were a wealthy family but did not care much about riches.
They loved God and wanted to serve Him. They were very close as a family and shared the same strong faith.
Marius and Martha raised their sons, Audiface and Abachum, to love Jesus. They taught them to be brave and to help those in need.
One day, they heard that many Christians in Rome were being killed for their faith. They decided to travel there to offer help and comfort.
It was a dangerous choice. They knew they might be killed too. But they loved Jesus more than their own safety.
Helpers in a Time of Fear
When they arrived in Rome, they found a Church in great suffering. Many Christians were hiding. Many were captured and killed by the government.
Marius, Martha, Audiface, and Abachum went to the prisons. They visited Christians who were about to die. They prayed with them and cared for their needs.
They also gave proper burials to the bodies of martyrs. This was a great act of love. It was also a crime in the eyes of the Roman rulers.
Their kindness gave hope to those who were scared and lonely. They showed that love is stronger than fear.
Their work did not stay hidden for long. The Roman soldiers soon found out what they were doing.
Captured and Faithful to the End
The whole family was arrested by the Roman soldiers. They were told to give up their faith and worship the Roman gods.
They refused. They said they would only worship the true God. This made the rulers very angry.
Marius and his sons were killed first. Some stories say they were beheaded. Martha was taken to another place and killed by drowning.
Their bodies were left outside, but kind Christians took them and buried them with honor.
Their courage became a light for others. Many found new strength in hearing how they stayed true until death.
Honored for Love and Courage
The memory of Marius, Martha, Audiface, and Abachum lived on. Christians remembered their faith and bravery.
There was no formal canonization process like there is today. Early saints were honored by the local Church and their stories were passed down.
Churches were later built in their honor. Relics of the family were kept safe and venerated.
They are remembered as patrons of those who are afraid of persecution. They are also patrons for travelers, because they left their home to help others.
Their feast day on January 19 reminds us that love and courage can grow even in hard times.
Their story teaches us to care for those who suffer and to stand firm in our faith.
Homilies, Commentaries, and Reflections
Faith That Walks With Others
Saints Marius, Martha, Audiface, and Abachum show what it means to live for others. They did not stay comfortable at home. They left everything to help people who were suffering. They were not worried about themselves. They trusted God and chose to walk with those who were in pain.
Their story reminds us that faith is not just something we keep inside. It is something we live out with our hands and feet. It is easy to say we believe, but harder to act when there is a cost. Marius and his family acted with love even when it was dangerous. They show us that real love is willing to take risks for others.
They also teach us about family. Their whole family stayed together, even when it was hard. They encouraged each other to stay strong in their faith. They remind us that our faith can grow when we stand together. It is not always easy, but it is possible when we help each other.
Their lives invite us to be brave. They trusted that God would not leave them alone. They were willing to give their lives because they knew what mattered most. We may not be called to die for our faith, but we are called to live for it every day.
Reflection Questions
- Who in my life is suffering, and how can I walk with them?
- How can I be more bold in living out my faith?
- In what ways can my family grow stronger in trusting God together?
- What fears hold me back from serving others?
Questions and Answers about Saints Marius, Martha, Audiface, and Abachum
Who were Saints Marius, Martha, Audiface, and Abachum?
They were a Christian family who lived long ago. They were killed because they followed Jesus.
Where did they come from?
They came from Persia, which is in the area of modern-day Iran.
What did they do in Rome?
They helped Christian prisoners. They cared for the sick and buried the dead.
Why were they killed?
They refused to give up their faith. They would not worship the Roman gods.
How were they killed?
Marius and his sons were killed by the sword. Martha was drowned.
When did they live?
They lived in the third century, around the year 270.
What is their feast day?
Their feast day is January 19.
Are they patrons of anything?
Yes, they are patrons of people who suffer for their faith and travelers.
Is there a church built for them?
Yes, churches were built in their honor, and their relics were kept safe.
How did they become saints?
They were honored by early Christians because of their strong faith and sacrifice.
What can we learn from them?
We can learn to be brave and to help others even when it is hard.
Did they work alone?
No, they worked together as a family. They stayed strong by helping each other.
Why are they important today?
Their story reminds us to stay strong in faith and to care for those who are suffering.
What names are they sometimes called?
They are also called Mari, Martha, Audifax, and Abacuc in some old writings.
How old were Audiface and Abachum?
Their exact ages are not known, but they were young men at the time of their death.
A Family That Showed the Way
Saints Marius, Martha, Audiface, and Abachum lived their faith with courage. They chose to help others even when it was dangerous. They stayed strong together and trusted God no matter what happened.
Their story shows us that real love costs something. They did not just talk about their faith. They lived it every day. They remind us that faith should lead us to care for others, even when it is not easy.
This family teaches us that we are never too small to make a difference. They gave their lives to show others the love of Jesus. Their memory still speaks to us and calls us to live with the same strength and love.
When we remember Saints Marius, Martha, Audiface, and Abachum, we remember that courage, faith, and love still matter. Their lives show the simple power of walking with others and trusting God.
Your Turn
Take some time to learn more about Saints Marius, Martha, Audiface, and Abachum. Their story can help us live with more courage and care.
Share your thoughts in the comment section. Tell us how their story speaks to you. Let’s encourage each other to live our faith with love and boldness.
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