Sts. Protomartyrs of the Roman Church

The Feast of the Protomartyrs of the Roman Church, celebrated on June 30th, honors the first Christian martyrs executed in Rome under the persecution of the Emperor Nero in the year 64 AD. These early disciples of Christ were put to death for their faith, becoming the first to give their lives for the Christian Church. Though their individual names are not recorded, they are venerated as a group for their unwavering witness and courage in the face of persecution. They are considered patron saints of all Christian martyrs and are invoked by the faithful for strength and perseverance in times of trial.