Saint of the Day – 11 August – Saint Tiburtius (Died c286) Martyr

Saint of the Day – 11 August – Saint Tiburtius (Died c286) Martyr, Layman, the son of Saint Chromatius the Prefect of Rome, also a Martyr. St Damasus (c305-384), the Pope, wrote about Tiburtius. He died by being beheaded in c286 in Rome, Italy and his remains are entombed in the Ad Duas Lauros Cemetery at the three mile marker on the Via Lavicana in Rome. Also known as – Tiburcio, Tiburzio.

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Rome, between the two laurels situate about three miles from the City, the birthday of St Tiburtius, Martyr, under the Judge Fabian, in the persecution of Diocletian. After he had walked barefoot on burning coals and confessed Christ with increased constancy. he was put to the sword.”

St Tiburtius, Martyr
By Father Francis Xavier Weninger SJ (1805-1888)

Tiburtius, a son of the noble Roman Prefect, Chromatius, received holy Baptism at the same time as his father and, not only endeavoured to lead a Christian life but also, to bring others to the knowledge of the True Faith.

One day, while he was walking through the street, a boy fell from the roof of a house to the pavement. He was so injured that it was thought that every moment would be his last. Tiburtius going towards him, made the Sign of the Cross over him and commanded him, in the Name of Jesus Christ, to rise and to abandon heathenism. The boy immediately arose, became a Christian and persuaded many, who had witnessed the miracle, to do likewise.

At another time, Tiburtius went to a youth named Torquatus, who, although Baptised and calling himself a Christian, did not conduct himself according to the dictates of the Church. His dress was too luxurious; he spent too much time in idleness, gaming, dancing and other amusements; he was unrestrained and licentious in his conversation and conduct. He was seldom at prayer but frequently, in dangerous company. Tiburtius exhorted him most earnestly to change his unchristian behaviour. Torquatus feigned a determination to follow his advice but secretly went to the Judge Fabian and revealed to him that Tiburtius was a Christian.

This he did in revenge for the reproofs which Tiburtius had given him. But, that he might not be known as the accuser, he requested to be arraigned with Tiburtius. When this had taken place, the Judge asked Torquatus who he was. “I am a Christian,” was his reply, “and this man ,Tiburtius has converted me to the True Faith.” But Tiburtius said: “I have never recognised you as a Christian; for, your life has not been that of a Christian. To dress luxuriously, not to observe the fast days, to be indifferent to your prayers, to pass the day in idleness, to associate with the other sex, to be licentious in your words, are not the characteristics of a Christian. Christ does not recognise such as His followers.” Fabian the Judge, would not listen to these reproofs but, having the ground strewn with hot coals, he said to the Saint: “You have your choice either to throw incense over these coals and thus offer to the gods, or to walk barefoot over them.”

Tiburtius, without a moment’s hesitation, took off his shoes, and courageously stepping upon the coals, walked up and down over them, without a sign of pain. Addressing the Judge, he said: “See and know that the God of the Christians is the only God, Whom all creatures obey. Your live coals seem to me but lovely flowers.” The Judge, highly incensed, exclaimed: “I knew long since that your Christ instructed His followers in magic. I shall, however, pay no attention to it.” The holy Martyr rebuked this blasphemy and as Fabian saw that the heathens began to admire the God of the Christians, he ordered him to be beheaded, thus bestowing upon him the Crown of Martyrdom.