Feast Day ~ June 25
Humility is one of the least practiced virtues, even among Christians. Pride in our positions, our material possessions, our opinions (and what others think of us) often prevents us from following Christ’s command to love one another, even our enemies, to care for the poor and feed the hungry. But the Church presents us examples of those saints who have overcome pride and led the humble lives that Christians are called to live, among them St. Gallicanus, a fourth century martyr.
Gallicanus was from a prominent Roman family with important political connections. He was elected consul twice and was engaged in a promising military career. During the reign of Constantine the Great, Gallicanus became friends with two Christian court officials, John and Paul, and these men were instrumental in Gallicanus’ conversion of to the Christian faith. We remember them in every Mass, as they are named among the martyrs.
When the fate of Christians changed dramatically under the Emperor Julian the “Apostate”, who attempted to revive the old pagan Roman religious beliefs, persecution of the followers of Christ began again. Even though he had received military commendations for his role in the successful war against the Persians, Gallicanus gave up his political and military positions and went with another Christian, (St.) Hilarinus, to Ostia, about 15 miles south of the city of Rome at the mouth of the Tiber. Here, he was able to truly follow Christ’s admonitions by first using his considerable wealth to build a hospital and a church. Leaving aside the honors and privilege of his former life, Gallicanus now spent his days providing food for those in need and helping the sick.
The citation in the Roman Martyrology for St. Gallicanus indicates the effect that the humility of this man had on the people: “when he had embraced [Christianity], he departed to Ostia… and gave himself up entirely to hospitality and the service of the sick. The news of this went abroad into all the world, and many came thither from all parts to see a man who had once been a patrician and a consul washing the feet of the poor, preparing their table, pouring water over their hands, ministering with care to the sick, and performing other works of piety.”
Such humble work by Christians was not appreciated by the Emperor Julian and he sent the saint into exile in Alexandria. There, having refused to sacrifice to the pagan gods under the order of the judge Raucian, Gallicanus was killed with the sword in the year 363, a year after his friends John and Paul had met the same fate.
May we, like St. Gallicanus, be willing to give up pride in our positions and possessions and humbly do our part to care for the sick and needy. Holy Gallicanus, pray for us.