Saint Longinus

Patron Saint of Mantua

Amanda Bucklew
 Died in AD 45
Born in Cappadocia, Italy and was in Calvary when Jesus was crucified
Saint Longinus became a saint as a result of his unwavering faith and strong belief
in the Christian faith after the Crucifixion.
After converting to Christianity, he continued to convert others, which was not
allowed by Pontius Pilate at the time. He died for the faith and refused to deny
his beliefs.
We can be more like St. Longinus by working to open the eyes of others so that
they too can enjoy the faith and share in Gods love.
Ex: bringing friends or family to church so that they can see the sacrament of the
Eucharist carried out and hear Sacred Scripture in a different setting
Connection to Eucharist

Saint Longinus was a nearly blind centurion who pierced the side of Jesus as he hung on the
Cross. Some of the blood and water went into his eye and cured him.
He exclaimed, Truly this man was the Son of God!
This story is often used to demonstrate the sacrifice of Jesuss body and blood by showing
how the sacrifice of Eucharist and the sacrifice on the Cross are one and the same.
Jesus body and blood can save us and will allow to reach eternal salvation in heaven.
St. Longinus can be connected to the Eucharist because he was the one who pierced Jesus.
He was also directly affected by the blood and water that flowed from Jesuss side.
Just as the blood allowed him to see again, we too are healed by the Eucharist and able to
see more clearly Gods plan for us.
Additionally, just as this event converted Saint. Longinus, we too have the ability to be
transformed by receiving the Eucharist because we are becoming more holy.
St. Longinuss Contribution to the Church

Saint Longinus contributed to the Church by spreading the Word of

God during his time one earth. He was able to convert many so
that they too could lead others to the faith.
By poking the side of Christ he helped show that Jesus was truly
Gods ultimate sacrifice and that we should take in his body and
blood.
Prayer to St. Longinus

O Saint Longinus, you were chosen as the venerable gate keeper and was granted the gift
of discernment by the Lord. An eyewitness of God's miracle who glorified the resurrected
Christ. To your death, you remained Christ's soldier and for Christ you gave your head.
Pray for us, therefore, O St. Longinus so that being inspired by your example and
assisted by your prayers, we may live a holy life, die a happy death, and reach eternal
life to praise and thank God in heaven with you.
Almighty, Eternal God, You were pleased to make Your Church illustrious through the
varied splendor of St. Longinus. As we venerate his memory, may we also follow such
shining examples of virtue on earth and thus obtain merited crowns in Heaven. We ask
this through Christ our Lord. Amen.