Romanus of Caesarea

Saint Romanus of Caesarea was born in the early centuries of the Church; the details of his birthplace are not known, but he served as a deacon of Caesarea in Palestine. At the outset of the Diocletianic Persecution around 303, Romanus was living in Antioch, where he strengthened the faithful with courageous words, urging Christians to stand firm when fear and compromise were everywhere. During a public pagan festival, Romanus boldly rebuked the worship of idols. For this he was arrested and condemned to die by fire, bound to a stake as a witness to Christ. When rain extinguished the flames, he was brought before Emperor Galerius, who ordered Romanus’ tongue cut out—yet his testimony could not be silenced. After further torments in prison, Romanus was finally put to death by strangling, sealing his confession with martyrdom. Venerated as a steadfast deacon and martyr, he is honored as patron of Freguesia de Cabeça and Lloret de Mar. His feast day is November 18.