Saint Castulus

Saint Castulus was a Christian who lived in Rome during the third century. He served as a chamberlain in the court of Emperor Diocletian. Some old records also call him Kastulus, but most know him as Castulus. He worked very close to the emperor but stayed faithful to Jesus in secret.

This was a time when Christians were hunted and killed for their faith. Diocletian hated Christians and wanted to destroy the Church. Christians had to meet in secret, hide their worship, and trust each other with their lives.

Castulus risked everything to help Christians during this dangerous time. He used his trusted place in the emperor’s house to save others. He hid Christians, helped them worship, and warned them about danger.

Saint Castulus stands as a brave example of someone who stayed loyal to Christ when it would have been easy to give up. His quiet courage still speaks to the Church.

There is not much known about the early life of Saint Castulus. His birth year and family background are not recorded. We only know that he grew up in the Roman Empire, most likely in or near Rome.

At some point, Castulus became a Christian. We do not know exactly when or how, but his faith became the center of his life. He chose Christ even though it meant living in great danger.

Castulus found a place working in the palace of Emperor Diocletian. As a chamberlain, he helped manage parts of the emperor’s household. It was a trusted and important job.

Even while working for a ruler who hated Christians, Castulus kept his faith. He used his special position to help others instead of seeking power or comfort. His early choices showed that he valued loyalty to Christ above anything else.

While serving Emperor Diocletian, Castulus used his job to secretly protect Christians. He would bring them into safe places and help them find shelter. Sometimes he hid them right under the emperor’s nose.

Castulus also helped Christians find priests and places to celebrate the sacraments. During this time, Mass was illegal and dangerous. Still, Castulus made sure the faith stayed alive through secret gatherings.

He worked with others like Saint Tiburtius, who also helped the Christian community. Together they passed on messages, warned of danger, and encouraged those who were afraid.

The courage of Castulus kept many Christians safe. Without his quiet help, many would have been caught and killed. His actions helped keep the Church strong during one of its hardest times.

Eventually, someone betrayed Castulus. He was arrested by Roman soldiers. They knew he was helping the Christian Church from inside the emperor’s court.

Castulus was tortured and questioned. The officials wanted him to give up the names of other Christians. But Castulus stayed silent. He would not betray his brothers and sisters in Christ.

Because he refused to deny his faith, Castulus was sentenced to death. He was buried alive in a pit and covered with sand and stones. It was a slow and painful death.

The early Christians honored Castulus as a martyr. They believed his sacrifice helped strengthen the Church. His life and death became a symbol of loyalty and courage under pressure.

After his death, Castulus was quickly honored as a saint. In the early Church, anyone who gave their life for Christ was recognized and remembered in prayer.

Castulus became known as the patron saint of shepherds. Some also pray to him for protection against wild animals and for courage in times of fear.

His feast day is March 26. Churches, especially in Germany, have been named after him. His relics were moved to protect them and to allow others to honor his memory.

Saint Castulus shows that even quiet and hidden acts of faith can change the world. His life teaches that loyalty to Christ is more important than safety, power, or even life itself.