Saint Pancras was probably born in the late third century, possibly in Syria or Phrygia (a province of Asia Minor). Some sources maintain that Pancras was orphaned at a young age and sent to live with an uncle in Rome.  There Pancras became a Christian when his uncle converted.  It is believed that both were martyred during the Roman emperor Diocletian’s persecutions of the Christians in the 300s. Pancras was only a teenager when he died for refusing to offer a sacrifice to the pagan gods. Pancras’ tomb in Rome was believed to be near the second milestone on the Via Aurelia. A basilica was later built at the site by Pope Symmachus.  

St. Pancras is the Patron Saint of teenagers and his feast day is celebrated May 12th.

St. Pancras, pray for all teenagers that their faith may be as strong as yours,
strong enough to lead them through all the trials of their life.

Saint Pancras

The Patron Saint Pancras
What is the definition and the meaning of the Patron Saints and why were these people chosen to become patrons of causes, professions and countries? The term 'Patron' is used in Christian religions, including the Roman Catholic religion, to describe holy and virtuous men and women who are considered to be a defender of a specific group of people or of a country. There is a patron for virtually every cause, country, profession or special interest. There are two categories of saints: martyrs and confessors. A martyr is one who is put to death for his Christian faith or convictions.

Facts and information about Saint Pancras
The following provides fast and concise facts and information:

• The patron of Children

• Born: 289 AD, Synnada, Phrygia

• Memorial Day / Feast Day: May 12th

• Date of Death: Saint Pancras died in A.D. 304

• Cause of Death: Beheaded

Who or what is Saint Pancras the patron saint of?
Saint Pancras is the patron of Children. Meanings, definition and origins - a patron is considered to be a defender of a specific group of people or of a nation. There is a patron for virtually every cause, profession or special interest. Prayers are considered more likely to be answered by asking a patron for intercession on their behalf.

The Story and History of Saint Pancras
Saint Pancras was born in 289 AD in Synnada, Phrygia a kingdom in the west central part of Anatolia (modern Turkey). He is also known by the names Pancritas and Pancratius. He was orphaned at an early age and taken to Rome by his uncle, Dionysius. Pancras converted to Christianity after meeting Christians in Rome and through the influence of Dionysius.  Pancras lived during the rule of the Roman Emperor Diocletian (r.284-305). Emperor Diocletian mounted some of the fiercest persecutions of the early Church especially in the East of the Empire. Converting to Christianity during this period was highly dangerous and at the age Pancras announced his Christian faith publically.  He was arrested and then beheaded.

Death of Saint Pancras
There are two categories of saints: martyrs and confessors. A Christian martyr is regarded as one who is put to death for his Christian faith or convictions. Confessors are people who died natural deaths. Date of Death: Saint Pancras died in A.D. 304. Cause of Death: Beheaded. 

Why is Saint Pancras the patron of Children?
Saint Pancras is the patron of Children because he was only fourteen years of age when he was martyred.

How Saint Pancras is represented in Christian Art
It is helpful to be able to recognize Saint Pancras in paintings, stained glass windows, illuminated manuscripts, architecture and other forms of Christian art. The artistic representations reflect the life or death of saints, or an aspect of life with which the person is most closely associated. Saint Pancras is represented in Christian Art as trampling upon a Saracen, in allusion to his hatred of infidels; and bearing in his hand a stone or a sword, the implements of his martyrdom.

Feast Day of Saint Pancras
The Feast Day of Saint Pancras is May 12th. The origin of Feast Days: most saints have specially designated feast days and are associated with a specific day of the year and these are referred to as the saint's feast day. The feast days first arose from the very early Christian custom of the annual commemoration of martyrs on the dates of their deaths at the same time celebrating their birth into heaven.