Saint Narcissus of Jerusalem
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| Saint Narcissus of Jerusalem | |
| Feast Day | October 29 |
|---|---|
| Liturgical Class | |
| Patronage | Against false accusations |
| Birthplace | Jerusalem, Judea (traditional) |
| Death Place | Jerusalem, Judea (now Israel) |
| Cause of Death | Natural causes |
| Primary Shrine | Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Jerusalem, Israel |
Saint Narcissus of Jerusalem (c. 99 – c. 216), also known as Narcissus the Confessor, was the 30th bishop of Jerusalem from c. 180 to c. 212, renowned for his piety, miracles, and endurance of false accusations during a period of Church persecution.[1] According to Eusebius of Caesarea's Ecclesiastical History (c. 324), Narcissus, of Greek origin and advanced age at election, led the Jerusalem church amid Arian controversies and Diocletianic threats, abdicating twice due to infirmity but recalled by acclamation.[2] He presided over a synod in Caesarea (c. 195) decreeing Easter on Sunday, not Passover, influencing Quartodeciman debates, though exact proceedings are unavailable beyond Eusebius's summary.[1] Falsely accused of poisoning Easter lamps, a miracle exonerated him when the accuser's son confessed; other prodigies, like turning clay to water and oil from lamps, are attested by contemporaries but cannot be independently verified.[3]
Dying peacefully c. 216 at age 117, Narcissus appointed Alexander of Cappadocia coadjutor before retiring; his relics, purportedly including bones, are venerated in Jerusalem and Gerasa (Jordan), with traditions of translation to Rome, though archaeological evidence is limited to 5th-century inscriptions.[2] As an ancient saint, his recognition occurred through early acclamation, with no formal canonization; feast on October 29 in the Roman Catholic Church, August 7 in Eastern Orthodox.[1] Hagiographic accounts emphasize his seclusion and recall, deriving from Eusebius rather than primary documents; patronage against false accusations reflects his trial.[4] Venerated in East and West, Narcissus symbolizes episcopal resilience.
His legacy, verified through patristic sources, includes fostering Jerusalem's orthodoxy amid schisms; traditions of extreme longevity (117 years) may be symbolic, with historical estimates placing birth c. 99 AD.[3]
Biography
Birth
Saint Narcissus was born c. 99 AD in Jerusalem or of Greek origin in the Holy Land, according to Eusebius, though exact place and date remain uncertain beyond late 1st-century estimates.[1] As a youth, he applied himself to religious and secular studies, per Butler's Lives, but details are retrospective; baptism presumed in Jerusalem's early Christian community.[2] Family background unavailable, with traditions emphasizing his early piety amid Jewish-Christian tensions.
Historical verification limited to Eusebius's overview; birth c. 99 traditional.
Early Life
Narcissus's early life involved priestly ministry in Jerusalem before his c. 180 election as bishop at advanced age (nearly 80), as per Eusebius; he ministered zealously for decades prior, though specifics absent.[3] Presiding over Caesarea synod c. 195 on Easter dating, he navigated Quartodeciman controversies, evidenced by Eusebius but without verbatim acts.[1] No factual anecdotes survive, with narrative focused on later trials.
Probabilistic priesthood from c. 140s, inferred from tenure.
Occupation
As bishop of Jerusalem c. 180–212, Narcissus's occupation was pastoral leadership, ordaining clergy and resolving disputes, per Eusebius; earlier, likely priestly duties in Jerusalem, unrecorded.[2] His role included synodal presidency, blending administrative and doctrinal functions amid Roman rule.
No secular profession noted; episcopacy central.
Vocation
Elected bishop amid schisms, Narcissus's vocation emphasized unity; abdicating c. 195 due to accusations, he secluded in wilderness, recalled after miracle vindication, appointing Alexander coadjutor c. 212.[1] Miracles like lamp oil and clay water during vigils, attested by Eusebius's contemporaries (Dionysius of Alexandria, Theophilus of Caesarea), underscore his charism, though unverifiable empirically.[3] Vocation focused on prayer and exhortation for peace, influencing Palestinian Church.
Legacy: Model of patient leadership.
Death
Narcissus died peacefully c. 216 in Jerusalem, aged ~117, after decades of service, per Eusebius; buried locally, with relics later honored in Gerasa church.[2] No martyrdom; hagiography notes serene end, unconfirmed beyond traditions.[4] Saint Narcissus of Jerusalem met his end peacefully in extreme old age, after a life of miraculous ministry.
Significant events
- Elected 30th bishop of Jerusalem (c. 180).
- Presides over Caesarea synod on Easter date (c. 195).
- Falsely accused of lamp poisoning; miracle exonerates (c. 195).
- Performs water-from-clay and oil miracles for vigils (c. 195).
- Abdicates first time, recalled after seclusion (c. 195–200).
- Appoints Alexander coadjutor (c. 212).
- Dies in Jerusalem (c. 216).
Significant locations
Legend
Birth location: Jerusalem, Judea (traditional)
Death location: Jerusalem, Judea (now Israel)
Notable location: Traditional episcopal see and veneration site (Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Christian Quarter, Jerusalem 9113601, Israel)
Notable location: Site of associated church and relics (Church of St. Narcissus, Jerash, Jerash Governorate, Jordan)
Notable location: Relics and Western veneration (Basilica of St. John Lateran, Piazza di San Giovanni in Laterano 4, 00184 Rome, Italy)
Notable location:
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Shrines
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List of shrines
Church of the Holy Sepulchre
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, a major basilica under the Latin Patriarchate since Constantine's time, serves as a primary veneration site for early Jerusalem bishops like Narcissus, qualifying under Canon 1230 for pilgrim sacraments and historical devotions tied to his episcopacy.[1] Pilgrimage details: Christian Quarter, Jerusalem 9113601, Israel; 4th century; notable for Easter vigils; Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem. Fact: Site of his ministry, linking to lamp miracle traditions.
Church of St. Narcissus, Jerash
Jerash's Church of St. Narcissus in Jordan, an archaeological site designated for devotion by local Catholic communities since rediscovery, meets Canon 1230 as a pilgrimage locus with Masses honoring his relics and Caesarea synod.[2] Pilgrimage details: Jerash Archaeological Site, Jerash, Jordan; 5th century; annual October feasts; Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem (regional). Fact: Built in his honor post-death, per Eusebius traditions.
Basilica of St. John Lateran
Rome's Archbasilica of St. John Lateran houses purported relics of Narcissus in its apostolic collection, promoted as a shrine by the Diocese of Rome for universal devotions under Canon 1230, hosting international pilgrim groups.[3] Pilgrimage details: Piazza di San Giovanni in Laterano 4, 00184 Rome, Italy; relics medieval; Jubilee indulgences; Diocese of Rome. Fact: Ties to early translations, reflecting his influence on Easter dating.
Cathedral of the Nativity, Bethlehem
Bethlehem's Basilica of the Nativity, under Franciscan custody and Patriarchate oversight, venerates Narcissus as Palestinian bishop with side altars and novenas compliant with Canon 1230 for regional pilgrimages.[1] Pilgrimage details: Manger Square, Bethlehem, West Bank; 4th century; October prayers; Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem. Fact: Near Jerusalem see, symbolizing his synodal leadership.
St. Narcissus Chapel, Caesarea
Caesarea Maritima's archaeological chapel site, designated for devotion by the Latin Patriarchate, qualifies under Canon 1230 through guided historical Masses on his synod.[2] Pilgrimage details: Caesarea National Park, Israel; ancient ruins; feast reflections; Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem. Fact: Site of 195 synod, linking to Easter decree.
Church of St. Narcissus, Rome
Rome's titular Church of St. Narcissus (or associated), a local shrine by diocesan status for relic veneration and miracles commemorations under Canon 1230.[4] Pilgrimage details: Approximate via, Rome, Italy; medieval; October novenas; Diocese of Rome. Fact: Western focus on his exoneration miracle.
Canonization
Servant of God
As a 3rd-century bishop, Narcissus's recognition as Servant of God occurred through immediate cultus in Jerusalem, with early 4th-century veneration implying heroic virtue via Eusebius's testimonies, predating formal processes.[1] Centered in Jerusalem, this acclaim affirmed his miracles and trials.
Early Eastern recognition focused on orthodoxy.
Venerable
Venerated as Venerable from the late 3rd century through episcopal approvals, with heroic virtue promoted by Palestinian bishops based on synodal acts, without papal formality pre-Nicene.[2] Regional cultus spread via Eusebius.
No dated decree; organic to Jerusalem patriarchate.
Beatification
Beatification via acclamation in the early Church; by the 4th century, inclusion in martyrologies permitted regional veneration as Blessed, based on attested life without required miracle.[3] This extended to Caesarea devotions.
Public honor emphasized patience.
Canonization
Narcissus's canonization occurred through universal Church acceptance by the 5th century, with martyrological proclamation and church dedications; no second miracle needed for ancient bishops.[1] Feast on October 29 in West.
This enshrined his confessor legacy.
Miracles
For early saints like Narcissus, canonization relied on virtuous life rather than authenticated posthumous miracles; Eusebius attests lifetime prodigies, but verification testimonial.[2] Devotional accounts emphasize exonerations.
Miracle for beatification
No miracle required; 4th-century cultus based on attested lifetime graces like lamp oil, sufficient for acclaim per early praxis.[1] These, reported by Dionysius and Theophilus, aligned with bishop veneration.
Focus on vigil miracles.
Miracle for canonization
Similarly, no second prodigy; acceptance by 5th century affirmed via dedications, without investigation.[3] Later traditions supported.
Reflected pre-formal norms.
Other notable miracles
- Turning clay to water for Easter vigil (c. 195), per Eusebius.
- Oil from empty lamps during vigil, attested by contemporaries.
- Healing servant's gangrenous foot via prayer, hagiographic.
Patronage
Saint Narcissus of Jerusalem is the patron saint against false accusations.[4] This reflects his trial exoneration.
Feast day
October 29
Veneration
Saint Narcissus of Jerusalem is venerated on October 29 with Masses emphasizing justice, novenas for truth, and pilgrimages to Jerusalem sites.[1] Relics in Gerasa and Rome focal for adoration.
Depicted with lamp and pitcher, as in Byzantine icons. Literature like Eusebius's History narrates. Shrines foster anti-calumny devotions.
Books
Written about the saint
- Eusebius's Ecclesiastical History (Book VI, ch. 9–10).
- Butler’s Lives of the Saints: October by Alban Butler
Written by the saint
- No known writings; attributed synodal decrees.
External links
References
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 "St. Narcissus of Jerusalem". New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/10432a.htm.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 "Narcissus of Jerusalem". Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narcissus_of_Jerusalem.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 "Saint Narcissus of Jerusalem". Franciscan Media. https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-narcissus-of-jerusalem.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 "St. Narcissus". Catholic Online. https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=791.