Saints Nazarius and Celsus

Nazarius and Celsus were early Christian martyrs. Their story comes to us through tradition and the writings of some early Church figures. Most of what we know about them is connected to the city of Milan in Italy. They are often remembered together because they died for their faith at the same time. They are also remembered together because their relics were found in the same place, many years after their death.

Some traditions say that Nazarius was a young man who traveled around spreading the Christian faith. Celsus was a much younger boy, and he joined Nazarius on his journey. Their friendship and shared mission are part of what makes their story so memorable. Both of them were willing to suffer and die for Jesus. Their courage made a deep impression on the early Christian community.

There are not many different names used for these saints, but sometimes their names are spelled slightly differently in older texts. You might see “Nazaire” or “Celsius” in Latin or French writings. But Nazarius and Celsus are the most common and widely accepted forms. They are honored as a pair, and their names are almost always mentioned together.

Even though the details of their lives are not all clear, their story has been passed down for centuries. They are remembered for their bravery and for their faith during a time when being a Christian was very dangerous. Their witness reminds us of the early Christians who kept the faith even when it cost them everything.

Their feast day is celebrated on July 28. That is the day the Church honors their memory and gives thanks for their witness. It is also the day when many Christians reflect on what it means to stand firm in their beliefs, just like Nazarius and Celsus did.

Nazarius is believed to have been born into a Christian family in the first century. His mother was said to be a Christian named Perpetua. Some traditions say she was Jewish before converting. His father was believed to be a Roman officer. Growing up in a time of persecution, Nazarius was raised with strong faith and a clear sense of purpose.

He was baptized by a priest named Linus. Some people believe this Linus later became Pope St. Linus, the second pope after St. Peter. This would place Nazarius in an early and important part of Church history. He would have known how risky it was to be openly Christian. Still, he chose to live out his faith in a public way.

Celsus was much younger. Some stories say he was only a boy, maybe around nine years old, when he met Nazarius. It is not known exactly how they met, but tradition says that Nazarius baptized Celsus and then took him along on his missionary journey. This shows how deeply Celsus trusted Nazarius and how ready he was to follow Christ, even at such a young age.

Their friendship is one of the most moving parts of their story. They were not just two random people thrown together by chance. Nazarius took care of Celsus like an older brother or teacher. And Celsus stayed loyal to Nazarius even when things became dangerous. This bond between them reminds us that friendship and faith often go hand in hand.

The fact that Celsus was so young makes his story stand out. It reminds us that even children can be saints. His life shows that holiness does not depend on age. Instead, it depends on love, courage, and a willing heart. Celsus chose to stay close to Christ, even when it meant facing death.

Nazarius and Celsus are examples of young people who were brave in a hard time. They didn’t live long lives, but they lived with purpose. They gave everything to God, even their safety and their lives.

Nazarius and Celsus traveled through parts of Italy and Gaul (modern-day France) preaching the message of Jesus. This was a time when Christians were often arrested and killed. They knew the risks but continued to speak about their faith. Their journey was dangerous from the start, but they believed it was worth it.

In their travels, they encouraged other Christians and helped convert people who had never heard of Jesus. They probably went from town to town, sometimes welcomed, sometimes rejected. Missionary work in that time often led to prison or worse. Still, they kept going.

Eventually, they were arrested by Roman officials. According to tradition, they were brought before a local governor who ordered them to stop preaching. They refused. They were beaten and imprisoned, but they did not deny their faith. This shows just how committed they were to following Christ.

Nazarius was the older and stronger of the two, but both of them showed equal courage. Even though Celsus was a child, he did not run away or give in to fear. He stayed by Nazarius, and together they accepted the punishment. This kind of loyalty was not common, especially under pressure.

The two of them were sentenced to death. Some accounts say they were beheaded. Others say they were thrown into the sea or left to die in prison. The exact details are not fully known. What matters is that they stayed faithful until the end. Their deaths became a witness to the truth of the Gospel.

Their story spread among the early Christians, especially in Milan. People told of their courage and their deep friendship. They became examples of what it means to live and die for one’s faith.

Many years after their deaths, their story might have been forgotten. But then something unexpected happened. In the year 395, their relics were discovered by St. Ambrose, who was the bishop of Milan at the time. This event brought their story back into the light.

St. Ambrose said he was guided by a vision or a sense of where their bodies had been buried. When he had the ground opened, the remains of two people were found. The bones were said to be uncorrupted, meaning they had not decayed. This was seen as a sign of holiness.

When the relics were moved to a church in Milan, many people came to pray. There were even reports of miracles connected to their remains. Sick people claimed to be healed. Others said they were inspired to return to the Christian faith. Whether these reports were all true or not, the event had a strong effect on the people.

St. Ambrose wrote about the event and helped spread devotion to Nazarius and Celsus. From that point on, their names became well-known among Christians, especially in northern Italy. Their tomb became a place of pilgrimage, and their memory was kept alive through the prayers of the faithful.

The discovery of their relics was not just a historical event. It helped strengthen the faith of people who were struggling. In a time when the Roman Empire was facing many problems, the witness of the martyrs gave people new hope. It reminded them that the faith had deep roots and real heroes.

This moment in history also shows how the Church has always honored the bodies of the saints. Their relics are seen as reminders of God’s work in their lives. They are not worshiped, but they are respected as a connection to the past and a sign of what holy lives can look like.

After the discovery of their relics, Nazarius and Celsus were honored as saints by the local Church. At that time, formal canonization like we have today didn’t exist. Instead, saints were recognized by popular devotion, local bishops, and the wider Christian community. Their martyrdom and the discovery of their relics made them known and loved.

Over time, churches were named after them, especially in Milan. Their feast day was set on July 28. That date has been kept in the Church calendar ever since. Each year, the Church remembers them on that day and thanks God for their witness.

Nazarius and Celsus are not known to be the patron saints of any specific cause or group, but they are often seen as examples for young people. They are also honored by those who suffer for their faith or who try to live it out in a world that doesn’t always welcome it.

Their story is simple but strong. Two young people who followed Jesus with all their hearts. They didn’t live long lives or leave behind books or teachings. But their sacrifice spoke loudly. And it still speaks today.

Their relics remained in Milan for centuries, and devotion to them spread slowly to other parts of Europe. They were remembered not just for how they died, but for how they lived—with courage, faith, and deep friendship. Their bond reminds us that faith is not lived alone.

The legacy of Nazarius and Celsus is one of quiet strength. Even today, in a very different world, their lives invite us to be brave, to stay faithful, and to support one another in the journey of faith.

Nazarius was the teacher. Celsus was the student. They were best friends in faith.

Nazarius was probably baptized by Saint Peter. That’s like getting dunked by a celebrity.

Celsus was just a boy when he met Nazarius. He was ready to die for Jesus before he hit puberty.

They traveled together preaching about Jesus. People didn’t like their message, so they got arrested. A lot.

They were thrown into jail more than once. Each time, they just smiled and sang hymns.

At one point, a Roman governor said, “Stop preaching or die.” They said, “No thanks.”

They were beaten, whipped, and dragged around. They kept preaching anyway.

Once, they were tossed into the sea. But they floated back up like rubber ducks.

Some stories say Nazarius walked on water. Move over, Peter!

They met Saint Gervasius and Saint Protasius in Milan. It was like a saints’ reunion party.

Eventually, they were caught again and beheaded. Together, of course.

Their bodies were buried and forgotten for a while. Later, Saint Ambrose had a dream and found their bodies. Still in good shape. That’s pretty wild.

People said their blood looked fresh when they were found. Centuries later!

They became very popular in Milan and nearby cities. Like local heroes.

Their relics were moved to different churches, and miracles were reported at each stop.

Nazarius is often shown holding a palm (for martyrdom) and sometimes a sword (not because he fought, but because that’s how he died).

Celsus is usually shown as a young boy with short hair, sometimes with Nazarius right beside him.

They are patron saints of friendship, travel, and sticking to the truth, even when it’s scary.