Image 1 of 1: Saint Narcissus of Jerusalem, devotional stained glass
Saints and feasts
St. Narcissus of Jerusalem
Bishop of Jerusalem
St. Narcissus is remembered as grave, almost austere, and deeply peaceful. He did not need to defend himself loudly when he was slandered, and his quiet return to pastoral care makes this life memorable.
The reading
ⓘ Butler source
Butler's Lives of the Saints, Volume IV (October-November-December), October 29, St Narcissus, Bishop of Jerusalem, Christian Classics 1990, pp. 217-218.
Narcissus of Jerusalem is remembered as a bishop of remarkable age, gravity, and peace. The famous story of water changed into oil for the church lamps remains part of his memory, but the deeper line of the life is his response to slander. When falsely accused, he does not fight loudly for himself. He withdraws into hidden solitude and leaves the truth to God.
Years later he returns, not to claim triumph, but to resume the care of the church. In extreme old age he eventually takes St. Alexander as his helper and coadjutor. This life is brief, yet it lingers because authority, humility, and inward peace remain so closely joined in it.
Historical note
For October 29, this page uses St. Narcissus because he gives the date a firmer historical saint-life than some of the thinner or later local notices nearby.
Carry this reading into prayer
Prayer for Peace
Narcissus's life of peace invites us to ask God for peace in our own lives.
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Nearby saint lives
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What is prayer?
Read question 1099 and its complete answer in the Baltimore Catechism.
Read the Beatitudes in Matthew 5