Saint Maximilian of Tebessa
Feast Day: March 12
Saint Maximilian of Tebessa is also sometimes called Maximilian of Numidia. Some people also just call him Saint Maximilian. He lived a very long time ago, around the year 274. He is remembered today because he chose to follow Jesus, even when it cost him his life.
Maximilian lived in North Africa, in a place that is now part of Algeria. Tebessa was part of the Roman Empire back then. It was a time when Christians were often asked to go against their faith or face death. Maximilian made a choice that showed great courage.
He is one of the earliest Christian martyrs who refused military service. He said no to fighting because he believed killing was wrong. The Church remembers him as a strong example of standing up for Christian beliefs.
Even though he lived a long time ago, his story still speaks to us today. Many people today still struggle with making choices that are faithful to Christ. Saint Maximilian shows us it is better to stay true to Jesus than to give in to pressure.
Growing Up in a Soldier’s House
Maximilian was born into a Roman family. His father’s name was Fabius Victor. His father was a soldier in the Roman army. In those days, it was common for sons of soldiers to also join the army. It was expected of them.
We do not know a lot about Maximilian’s early life. But we do know that he grew up knowing about army life. He likely learned discipline and strength from his father. He also probably learned about loyalty and duty.
Maximilian became a Christian as a young man. Christianity was not popular in the Roman Empire at that time. Christians often faced danger because of their faith. But Maximilian chose to follow Jesus even though he knew the risks.
He did not want to be a soldier. Not because he was weak or afraid, but because he believed killing was wrong. He believed that a Christian should not take a life. This belief would soon put him in a very hard place.
Standing Before the Power of Rome
When Maximilian was about twenty-one years old, he was called to join the army. In the Roman Empire, it was the law that sons of soldiers had to serve. A Roman official named Dion ordered him to be enrolled.
Maximilian refused. He said very simply, “I cannot be a soldier. I am a Christian.” Dion tried to change his mind. He told him about the honor and duty of being a soldier. He even warned Maximilian about the punishment for refusing.
But Maximilian stayed firm. He said that Christians are not allowed to kill. He said that he already served Christ, and that was enough. Even when Dion showed him the weapons and armor he would use, Maximilian still said no.
The official could not believe it. He asked Maximilian many times to change his mind. He even offered him time to think. But Maximilian did not waver. He chose to obey God rather than men.
The Price of Saying No
Because Maximilian would not join the army, he was put on trial. The Roman officials saw his refusal as a crime. In their eyes, he was not obeying the laws of the Empire.
At his trial, Maximilian spoke clearly and simply. He said he could not be a soldier because he could not kill anyone. He said he served the King of Heaven. His words were strong but calm.
The judge sentenced him to death. Maximilian accepted this without fear. He prayed and asked God to help his family stay strong. Then he was taken outside and beheaded.
His father, Fabius Victor, was there. He did not beg for his son’s life. Instead, he praised Maximilian for standing firm in his faith. Afterward, Victor took his son’s body and gave him a proper Christian burial.
A Saint for the Brave and the Peaceful
Saint Maximilian was remembered as a martyr right away. Christians told the story of his courage to others. His example helped many early Christians stay strong in their faith.
He was never officially canonized the way later saints were. In the early Church, saints were recognized by the people and the local bishops. Maximilian’s story spread quickly, and he became honored as a saint.
Today, Saint Maximilian is the patron saint of conscientious objectors. These are people who refuse to fight in wars because of their beliefs. His feast day is celebrated on March 12.
Saint Maximilian reminds us that sometimes saying no is the right thing to do. He shows that peace, faith, and courage are worth more than fear and violence. His story continues to give hope to many Christians around the world.
Homilies, Commentaries, and Reflections
Choosing Peace When It Is Hard
Saint Maximilian of Tebessa teaches us that sometimes we have to make hard choices to stay true to Jesus. He could have taken the easy way. He could have joined the army and done what everyone expected. But he chose to follow what he believed was right, even though it cost him his life.
It is not always easy to do what we know is right. Sometimes people will try to make us change. They might tell us it is easier or smarter to go along with everyone else. But Maximilian shows us that faith means standing firm, even when it is lonely or dangerous.
Maximilian also reminds us that following Jesus means loving peace. He believed that killing others was wrong, even when the government said it was right. His choice teaches us that God’s ways are not always the world’s ways. It is not always popular to follow Christ, but it is always good.
We can ask ourselves if we are willing to stand for what is right, even when it is hard. We can also think about what it means to be a person of peace in a world that often loves violence. Saint Maximilian’s life is a simple but strong reminder that following Jesus is always worth it.
Reflection Questions
- When have I had to make a hard choice because of my faith?
- How can I be a person of peace in my family, school, or work?
- What fears keep me from standing up for what I believe?
- How can I trust Jesus more when I feel pressure to do what is wrong?
Walk Without a Worry
Saint Maximilian of Tebessa calmly refused to join the Roman army, knowing it would cost him his life. But he didn’t flinch. He trusted God more than he feared death. As others tried to reason with him, he remained peaceful. When he was sentenced to die, he walked like a man without a worry in the world—because he had already given all his worries to God.
We can learn from him. The world wants to make us anxious, but we don’t have to live that way. Try taking a walk today with no distractions. Walk slowly, calmly. Imagine yourself handing your biggest worry to God. Just like Maximilian, you’ll discover that peace grows when you let go.
Questions and Answers about Saint Maximilian of Tebessa
Who was Saint Maximilian of Tebessa?
Saint Maximilian of Tebessa was a young Christian who refused to join the Roman army because of his faith.
Where was Saint Maximilian born?
He was born in Tebessa, in North Africa, which was part of the Roman Empire.
What did Saint Maximilian refuse to do?
He refused to be a soldier because he believed killing was wrong for a Christian.
Why was Saint Maximilian killed?
He was killed because he would not obey the Roman law that made sons of soldiers join the army.
How did Saint Maximilian die?
He was beheaded after he refused to serve in the army.
How old was Saint Maximilian when he died?
He was about twenty-one years old.
Who was Saint Maximilian’s father?
His father was Fabius Victor, a Roman soldier.
What is Saint Maximilian the patron saint of?
He is the patron saint of conscientious objectors, people who refuse to fight in wars for reasons of faith.
When is Saint Maximilian’s feast day?
His feast day is on March 12.
Was Saint Maximilian canonized by a pope?
No, he was recognized as a saint by the early Christian community.
What lesson can we learn from Saint Maximilian?
We can learn to stand strong in our faith and to choose peace over violence.
Why is Saint Maximilian important?
He shows us that it is better to obey God than to follow what the world says is right.
Choosing Faith Over Fear
Saint Maximilian of Tebessa showed great courage when he chose faith over fear. He knew the cost of refusing to join the army. He chose to obey God even when the world told him to do something else. His story is simple but strong.
He reminds us that faith is not just words. Faith means making real choices. Sometimes these choices are not easy. Sometimes they lead to loss. But choosing Jesus is always the right path.
Maximilian’s life also shows the power of peace. He believed that Christians should never take up weapons to harm others. He trusted that God’s way is a way of peace, even when the world does not understand.
When we think of Saint Maximilian, we remember that courage is not loud. Sometimes courage is quiet but strong. His life calls us to follow Christ no matter the cost, trusting that God’s way is always better.
Your Turn
Take time to learn more about Saint Maximilian of Tebessa. His simple but strong faith can inspire us to stand for peace and truth.
We would love to hear from you. Share your thoughts about standing strong in faith. Have you ever had to make a hard choice? Leave a comment and join the conversation below.
Leave a Reply