Romanus Ostiarius

Saint Romanus Ostiarius was born in the Roman world, though the place and year of his birth are not known. Remembered in both the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox traditions, his story is closely linked to Saint Lawrence, the great deacon and martyr of Rome. According to ancient legend, Romanus served as a soldier and encountered Lawrence during a time of persecution. Moved by Lawrence’s steadfast faith and charity, Romanus embraced Christ and was baptized while Lawrence was imprisoned. After his conversion, Romanus devoted himself to the Church in Rome, taking up the humble yet vital service of an ostiary, a keeper of the doors—welcoming the faithful, safeguarding the sacred places, and quietly witnessing to the Gospel through faithful duty. His new life of discipleship soon led him to the same costly fidelity he had admired in Lawrence. Romanus was arrested and suffered martyrdom, sealing his confession of Christ with his blood. He is honored as a patron of Cavallerleone, Negrisia, and San Romano in Garfagnana. His feast day is celebrated on August 9.