St. Longinus
The Centurion Who Pierced Christ's Side, Convert and Martyr
📖 Life of St. Longinus
St. Longinus is the centurion who pierced the side of Our Lord while He was hanging on the Cross. This momentous event, recorded in the Gospel of John, marked the beginning of a remarkable journey of conversion and faith that would transform this Roman soldier into a saint.
St. Longinus, who was nearly blind, was healed when some of the blood and water from Jesus fell into his eyes. This miraculous healing was not only physical but spiritual, as it opened his eyes to the truth of who Jesus truly was. It was then he exclaimed "Indeed, this was the Son of God!" [Mark 15:39], becoming one of the first to publicly acknowledge the divinity of Christ.
St. Longinus then converted, left the army, took instruction from the apostles and became a monk in Cappadocia. His conversion was complete and radical - from a Roman centurion who had participated in the crucifixion of Christ to a devoted follower who would give his life for the faith.
There he was arrested for his faith, his teeth forced out and tongue cut off. However, St. Longinus miraculously continued to speak clearly and managed to destroy several idols in the presence of the governor. This miracle demonstrated the power of God working through him and his unwavering faith despite the brutal torture he endured.
The governor, who was made blind by the demons that came from the idols, had his sight restored when St. Longinus was being beheaded, because his blood came in contact with the governor's eyes. This final miracle, echoing the healing that Longinus himself had received from Christ's blood, completed the circle of divine grace and mercy.
🌟 Legacy of St. Longinus: Witness to the Cross
Witness to the Crucifixion
St. Longinus's legacy begins with his unique role as the centurion who pierced the side of Christ, fulfilling the prophecy of Zechariah and confirming the death of Jesus. His testimony, "Indeed, this was the Son of God!" recorded in the Gospel of Mark, stands as one of the most powerful confessions of Christ's divinity in the New Testament.
Model of Conversion
St. Longinus's conversion story is a powerful example of God's grace transforming even those who have participated in the greatest of sins. From being nearly blind and spiritually blind, he received both physical and spiritual sight through the blood of Christ, demonstrating that no one is beyond the reach of God's mercy and love.
Courageous Martyr
St. Longinus's martyrdom shows the depth of his conversion and the strength of his faith. Despite being tortured and mutilated, he continued to speak clearly and destroy idols, showing that the power of God working through him was greater than any human suffering or obstacle.
Keeper of the Holy Lance
St. Longinus's connection to the Holy Lance (the Spear of Destiny) has made him a significant figure in Christian tradition. The lance he used to pierce Christ's side has become one of the most revered relics of the Passion, symbolizing the moment when blood and water flowed from the side of Christ, representing the sacraments of Baptism and the Eucharist.
📅 Feast Day
Feast of St. Longinus
Liturgical Celebration
The feast of St. Longinus is celebrated on March 15th, during the season of Lent when the Church prepares for the commemoration of Christ's Passion and Death. This timing is particularly appropriate as it connects us to the events of Good Friday and the crucifixion of Our Lord.
Traditions and Customs
On the feast day of St. Longinus, many people reflect on the power of conversion and the mercy of God. Churches may hold special services focusing on the Passion of Christ and the role of St. Longinus as a witness to the crucifixion. Many pray for the grace of conversion and the courage to bear witness to Christ in their own lives.
Prayer and Devotion
The feast day is an excellent time to pray for the gift of spiritual sight, for the courage to bear witness to Christ, and for the grace to recognize God's presence in our lives. Many also pray for those who are spiritually blind or who have participated in acts of violence or sin, asking for St. Longinus's intercession in their conversion.
🛡️ Patronage
Primary Patronages
- • Soldiers: Patron of military personnel
- • Eye Problems: Patron of those with vision issues
- • Conversion: Patron of converts to the faith
- • Witnesses: Patron of those who bear witness
- • Mantua: Patron of Mantua, Italy
- • Good Friday: Patron of Passion devotion
Special Intentions
- • Spiritual Sight: Help in recognizing God's presence
- • Courage: Strength to bear witness to Christ
- • Conversion: Grace for those seeking the truth
- • Healing: Physical and spiritual healing
- • Repentance: Help in turning away from sin
- • Martyrdom: Courage to suffer for the faith
🙏 Prayers
Prayer to St. Longinus
"O St. Longinus, centurion who pierced the side of Christ and was converted by His precious blood, intercede for us before the throne of God.
You who received both physical and spiritual sight through the blood of Christ, help us to see with the eyes of faith and to recognize God's presence in our lives. You who courageously bore witness to Christ even in the face of torture and death, give us the strength to bear witness to our faith in our daily lives.
Help us to be instruments of God's mercy and love, and to bring others to the knowledge of Christ through our words and actions. Pray for all those who are spiritually blind, that they may come to see the light of Christ.
St. Longinus, pray for us that we may have the courage to proclaim with you, 'Indeed, this was the Son of God!' Amen."
Prayer for Conversion
"St. Longinus, patron of converts, pray for all those who are seeking the truth and for those who have participated in acts of violence or sin.
Help them to experience the same grace of conversion that you received, and to find healing and peace in the love of Christ. Amen."
Short Prayer
"St. Longinus, pray for us!"