St. Genesius of Rome
Born: c. 3rd century CE
Died: 303
Feast day: August 25
Patron saint of: actors, comedians, dancers, musicians
Anyone who was a member of a Catholic high school or college drama club during the 1950s and ’60s no doubt knows about St. Genesius—the patron saint of actors. According to legend, he was an actor during the reign of the Roman Emperor Diocletian in the third century. To win the emperor’s favor, he took on a role satirizing a Christian about to be baptized.
While reciting the act of faith during his performance, Genesius was seized by the truth of what he was saying and converted, there and then, to Christianity. The emperor was infuriated, demanding that the actor recant his faith. When he refused, he was immediately put to death.
More about Genesius of Rome:
Fake it till you make it: St. Genesius, patron of actors
St. Genesius isn’t just the patron of high school thespians. We can all learn something about acting like Christ from this legendary actor.
Image: Wikimedia Commons
