Lives Of The Saints
July 28
Sts. Nazarius and Celsus
Sts. Nazarius and Celsus are remembered as an older missionary and his young companion who remained faithful together unto martyrdom. St. Ambrose’s discovery of their bodies renewed their ancient honor in the Church of Milan.
Saints Nazarius and Celsus, early modern devotional engraving
Brief life
Sts. Nazarius and Celsus are ancient martyrs of Milan whose memory was renewed when St. Ambrose discovered their bodies near the city about the year 395. Their translation was received with solemn devotion, and their names remained honored in the Milanese Church.
Tradition remembers Nazarius as a zealous Christian preacher who took the young Celsus as his companion. Together they traveled in service of the Gospel and finally shed their blood for Christ at Milan. The details of their journeys come from later accounts, but the bond at the heart of the story is clear: an older disciple forming a younger one, and both remaining faithful unto martyrdom.
Their feast reminds us that Christian courage is handed on. Faithful example can strengthen the young, and companionship in Christ can sustain believers even in persecution.
Historical note
St. Ambrose’s discovery and translation give the ancient Milanese martyr tradition its firm historical center.
Next step
Browse the novena library
Browse the broader library if you want to move from reading into prayer.
Keep reading
Nearby saint lives
Move through the calendar without leaving the saint library. These nearby feast-day lives help keep the reading trail connected.
Pray with this saint
Carry this saint into prayer
If this life stirred a particular need, keep going with the closest prayer links in the library.