Saints Simplicius, Faustinus, and Beatrix

Saints Simplicius, Faustinus, and Beatrix are three Christian martyrs from ancient Rome. Their story comes from the early fourth century, a time when Christians were still being hunted down for their faith. These three saints were members of the same family. Simplicius and Faustinus were brothers, and Beatrix was their sister. Together, they held on to their Christian beliefs, even when it meant facing death.

Sometimes the name Beatrix is written as Beatrice, especially in older texts or different languages. Simplicius is also occasionally written as Simplicio, especially in Latin sources. These name changes are common in early Christian records, where translations and spelling varied. Still, they are most often known as Simplicius, Faustinus, and Beatrix.

Their story has been passed down through tradition and early martyrologies, which are books that list and describe the deaths of saints. While some details might be unclear or legendary, the Church has long honored them for their witness. They are not just remembered for dying, but for how they lived and stayed faithful in a dangerous time.

Today, they are honored together on July 29. Their names are still listed in the Roman Martyrology, the official list of saints recognized by the Catholic Church. Though they may not be as well-known as other saints, their witness remains a part of the Church’s memory. They remind us of the cost of discipleship in the early years of Christianity.

Their example speaks not only of courage but of love—love for God and for each other. Beatrix, in particular, showed deep care by honoring her brothers after their death. This kind of family bond, tied closely with faith, is at the center of their story. Their feast is a celebration of that kind of faith and love.

Not much is known for certain about the early life of Simplicius, Faustinus, and Beatrix. Like many early saints, especially martyrs, details of their childhood and daily life were not recorded. Most of what we know comes from stories passed down in the Church. But tradition tells us they were born into a Christian family in Rome.

At the time, being a Christian in the Roman Empire could be very dangerous. The Church was still growing, and many Romans did not understand the Christian way of life. Christians were seen as strange or even a threat to the old Roman gods and traditions. For that reason, many emperors tried to stop Christianity from spreading.

In this setting, their family must have been brave. To raise children in the Christian faith during a time of persecution meant accepting risk. It is likely that their parents taught them to pray, to help others, and to trust in Jesus. These lessons prepared them for the trials they would face.

Simplicius and Faustinus seem to have been very close as brothers. Tradition says they supported one another in their faith. Beatrix also shared in that same strong belief. The three of them likely worshipped together in secret with other Christians. At that time, many Christians gathered in homes or underground places called catacombs.

We don’t have many personal details about their daily life. We do not know their jobs, hobbies, or education. But we do know what matters most: they believed in Jesus, and they stayed faithful to Him together. That alone tells us a lot about their character and upbringing.

Their story takes place during one of the worst periods of Christian persecution in the Roman Empire. Emperor Diocletian ruled from 284 to 305, and he ordered that all Christians must worship the Roman gods or face punishment. This was known as the Great Persecution. Many believers were arrested, tortured, or killed.

Simplicius and Faustinus refused to give up their faith. They would not offer sacrifices to the Roman gods, even though that was the law. This refusal marked them as enemies of the state. Like many other Christians, they were arrested and put on trial.

They were told to renounce their faith. They could have been freed if they had simply said they no longer believed in Christ. But they stood firm. For this, they were sentenced to death. According to tradition, they were beaten and tortured, but they would not change their minds.

They were eventually executed, and their bodies were thrown into the Tiber River. This was done to dishonor them and keep other Christians from gathering around their graves. But their sister Beatrix found a way to recover their bodies. With great care, she made sure they were buried properly, giving them the respect they deserved.

Her love for her brothers did not end there. Beatrix continued to live as a Christian and to honor the memory of Simplicius and Faustinus. She prayed with others, helped the poor, and encouraged fellow believers. She knew the risk, but she chose to remain faithful.

After the deaths of Simplicius and Faustinus, Beatrix continued to live quietly as a Christian. She stayed in Rome and kept worshipping with other believers. Like her brothers, she would not renounce her faith. Eventually, the Roman authorities found out about her too.

She was arrested and put in prison. Like her brothers, she was told to deny her faith. She refused. The same courage that had filled her brothers also filled her. She had seen what had happened to them, and she knew what might happen to her. But she remained calm and faithful.

Tradition says that she was strangled to death in prison. She did not have a public execution like her brothers. Her death was quieter, but no less faithful. She died for the same reason: she loved Jesus more than she feared death.

After her death, Christians in Rome remembered her as a true martyr. They buried her body near her brothers. The family was united again, even in death. Their shared grave became a place of prayer and remembrance for early Christians.

Their story spread through the Christian community, especially in Rome. It was remembered not only for their courage but also for their love—siblings who stayed faithful together. Their example gave strength to others facing persecution.

Simplicius, Faustinus, and Beatrix were honored as saints very early in the Church’s history. In the first centuries, there was no formal process for canonization. Instead, Christians honored those who gave their lives for the faith. Martyrs like these three were remembered in prayer, and their graves became holy places.

Over time, churches were built near the place where they were buried. Pilgrims would come to pray, especially on their feast day. Their story was told in early martyrologies and passed down through the generations. This is how their memory stayed alive.

They are listed together in the Roman Martyrology. Their feast day is celebrated on July 29. This date is set aside by the Church to honor their witness and to remember the cost of following Christ. Their story is one of family, courage, and love rooted in faith.

They are sometimes considered patrons of siblings and those facing persecution. Though they do not have a wide or official list of patronages, their story makes them powerful examples for families trying to stay united in faith. They also encourage Christians to stay faithful in hard times.

Today, their names may not be known by everyone, but they are still honored by the Church. Their courage still speaks to those who feel pressure to give up their beliefs. Simplicius, Faustinus, and Beatrix remind us that faith shared with others—especially with family—can be a great source of strength.

Simplicius and Faustinus were brothers. Beatrix was their sister. Talk about a holy family.

They lived in Rome during a time when Christians had to be sneaky or get arrested.

The brothers were arrested first. Beatrix had to watch them go, but she didn’t run away.

Simplicius and Faustinus were tortured in all the usual awful ways. Still, they wouldn’t give up Jesus.

They were thrown into the Tiber River with stones tied to them. That was the Roman way of saying, “You’re done.”

Beatrix secretly found their bodies and gave them a proper burial. Sister of the Year.

After that, Beatrix kept hiding out in a Christian friend’s house. But someone snitched on her.

She was arrested too. When they told her to worship Roman gods, she said, “Nope.”

They strangled her in prison. Quiet but deadly. She went out firm in her faith.

Their bodies were buried together, like a family reunion underground.

Beatrix’s name means “bringer of happiness.” Pretty sweet for someone who died in jail.

Beatrix is the patron saint of those who lose their brothers. Makes sense.

Simplicius and Faustinus are sometimes seen as patrons of siblings who fight for what’s right.

Their symbol is the palm branch for martyrdom. Not very original, but still classic.

They’re also sometimes shown with ropes or stones—because of how they were killed.

People in the early Church loved family groups of martyrs. These three were like the Christian version of the three musketeers.