Saint Claudius

Saint Claudius was an early Christian martyr, one of five sculptors who worked in the imperial quarries of Pannonia under Emperor Diocletian. Because they were Christians, he and his companions Castorius, Symphorian, Nicostratus and Simplicius refused to carve a statue of a pagan god. Around 305 they were sealed in lead caskets and drowned in a river. Over the centuries they became linked with the Four Crowned Martyrs of Rome, and they are venerated as patrons of stonemasons and sculptors. Their feast is November 8. Saint Claudius is remembered for his courage and his fidelity to Christ.