Placidus

Saint Placidus, likely born in the Marsi region of central Italy, lived as a Roman priest in the third century, a time when confessing Christ could cost one’s life. Little is known with certainty about his early years, yet the Church venerates him as a martyr who remained faithful amid persecution. Tradition connects him with the Christian community near Lake Fucino, where, during the persecutions associated with Emperor Maximinus Thrax, Placidus is said to have been seized with fellow priests Cesidius and Eutychius. They were killed while celebrating Mass at Trasacco, and an unknown number of the faithful perished with them—an image of the Church gathered at the altar, offering worship even under threat of death. After his martyrdom on August 31, 237, Placidus’ relics were taken to Rome and later, in 1686, translated from the catacombs to Montecarotto, where devotion to him flourished. He is honored as patron of Castel di Lucio, Montecarotto, and Torrebruna. His feast day is October 5.