Mark and Marcellian

Who they were

Mark and Marcellian were brothers martyred at Rome under Diocletian, probably in 286. According to the ancient Acts of St Sebastian, when they were in prison for the faith their pagan parents, Tranquillinus and Martia, begged them to sacrifice and save their lives; St Sebastian came and strengthened them so that they stood firm, and converted their parents too. Condemned, they were buried on the Via Ardeatina near the cemetery of Domitilla.

The miracles

There was never a formal cause: they have been honoured as martyrs since the early centuries. Their relics were later moved to Sts Cosmas and Damian in Rome, where they were found again in 1583.

Why that counted as sanctity

Two brothers, tempted by their parents' tears, held to Christ, and their faithfulness converted their family.

Connected on this site

• Vidal Saint
  “When the Diocletianic Persecution of Christians began, Vidal's friends, twins Mark and Marcellian, were imprisoned in Rome; though Sebastian told the pair to hold true to their faith, Vidal was one of six friends who implored them to reconsider sacrificing their lives.” — Wikipedia