Sts. Tiburtius, Valerian, and Maximus – Martyrs of the Early Church

ST. TIBURTIUS, ST. VALERIAN AND ST. MAXIMUS

Sts. Tiburtius, Valerian, and Maximus were third-century Christian martyrs in Rome. Their steadfast faith and courage during persecution, especially under Emperor Alexander Severus, became an inspiring testament to the early Church.

St. Tiburtius, St. Valerian, and St. Maximus are celebrated together as courageous Christian martyrs who lived during the third century in Rome. Their story is closely tied to that of St. Cecilia, one of the Church’s most revered virgin martyrs.

Valerian was a noble Roman who married Cecilia, a devout Christian. Through her influence, Valerian converted to Christianity along with his brother, Tiburtius. Inspired by their new faith, the two brothers dedicated themselves to acts of charity, especially burying the bodies of martyrs — a dangerous act under Roman law. Their bravery and defiance of pagan customs quickly brought them to the attention of the Roman authorities.

Maximus, a Roman officer or possibly a jailer, was tasked with overseeing their punishment. However, after witnessing their courage and hearing their witness of Christ, he too converted to Christianity. All three were eventually arrested, tortured, and ordered to renounce their faith by sacrificing to the Roman gods. When they refused, they were executed — Valerian and Tiburtius by the sword, and Maximus reportedly beaten to death.

The martyrs were buried in the Catacombs of Praetextatus on the Via Appia, a place of pilgrimage for the early Christians. Their sacrifice, like many martyrs of the time, reinforced the spiritual strength of the early Church and showed how truth and conviction could triumph over violence and oppression.

Their collective feast day is observed on April 14, celebrating their unity in faith and martyrdom. Their story, particularly in connection with St. Cecilia, remains a powerful reminder of the early Church's resilience and the transforming power of Christian witness.

Feast Day

14-4-

Birth Date

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Died Date

14-4-c. 230 AD

Canonised Date

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Catacombs of Praetextatus, Rome, Italy

"Dear Saints Tiburtius, Valerian, and Maximus, faithful servants and martyrs of Christ, we ask for your intercession in our lives. Strengthen our faith, grant us courage in times of trial, and help us to live with love and devotion to God. May your example of steadfastness inspire us, and may we, too, remain faithful to our calling. Through your prayers, may we draw closer to Christ and find peace and grace in His love. Amen."
ST. TIBURTIUS, ST. VALERIAN AND ST. MAXIMUS

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Anudina Visudhar (Malayalam) – Life of Saints for Everyday
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Saint Companions for Each Day
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