Tarcisius was a Roman Christian seized while carrying the Eucharist during a persecution; tradition remembers him as a boy bringing Communion to imprisoned believers. He refused to give up the Sacrament and died protecting it, and he is honored as patron of altar servers.
Life
Saint Tarcisius was a young believer who is said to have been martyred in Rome around the third century. The oldest record of him is a short epitaph composed by Pope Saint Damasus in the fourth century, which says that while carrying the Eucharist he refused to hand it over to a mob intent on profaning it and gave up his life instead.
Later tradition describes him as a boy acolyte bringing Communion to imprisoned Christians during a persecution, but his age and the exact circumstances are uncertain. He is honored as a martyr of the Eucharist and is loved today as the patron of altar servers. His remains are said to have rested in the Catacomb of Callixtus.
Spirituality
Saint Tarcisius's spirituality is love and reverence for the Eucharist. He treasured the Lord he carried in his hands more than his own life. His example teaches altar servers what reverence for the Mass and the Eucharist means, and reminds us that even small service is an expression of love for the Lord.
Reflection
Saint Tarcisius is the patron of altar servers. Why not pray today for the servers at our parish altar and offer them a warm word of encouragement?