TARCISIUS: PROTECTOR OF THE

by

Sean M. Wright

In AD 258 Valerian had been Emperor of for five years. Bothered with all manner of catastrophic wars, famine and disease Valerian had the answer—kill the Christians “Rid the

Empire of them!” he thundered. “If they don’t give up their superstition send them to the arena as a spectacle and a warning for the equestrians, patricians and senators who have dared embrace the inhuman Christian abomination.”

The hunt was on for bishops, priests, and even acolytes, young boys who served the clergy at Mass. They also assisted in the distribution of food to the needy, helped the deacons collect and save offerings for the sick, and sometimes carried the Blessed Lord in Holy Viaticum.

They were the original Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion.

Here’s where we pick up the story of Tarcisius, a twelve year-old acolyte who served

Mass for the Roman Pontiff, St Sixtus II.

Meeting in secret, in homes scattered throughout Rome, Christians gathered for Mass. On a day with no at hand Tarcisius volunteered to carry the "Holy Mysteries" to prisoners.

He’d carried the before and the pope held the boy in high regard. So Sixtus swaddled several precious particles of the Blessed Sacrament in clean linen, placing the little bundle in an arca. Tarcisius put the little wooden box into a small bag attached to a cord, placing it around his neck. Clutching the little bundle with both hands he sped off.

On the way, the lad was stopped by some non-Christian boys at play on a grassy knoll. They knew Tarcisius as a playmate. Calling for him to join their game Tarcisius begged off, ex- plaining how he was on an errand.

Seeing that Tarcisius had something in his hands he was asked what he was carrying. Tar- cisius said nothing as the boys surrounded him. At first good-naturedly, they made sport of trying to snatch the container from Tarcisius to play keep away, but they were unable to break his hold.

During the jostling the bag was pulled down and the outline of a fish etched into the lid of the little chest was recognized as a Christian symbol. A boy cried out, “Tarcisius is a Christian!”

They became more anxious to gaze at one of the secret Christian amulets against which their parents had warned them.

The circle of boys grew smaller. The shoving became more threatening. Their demands grew harsher. Christians were enemies of Rome. The boys started punching and jabbing. As his tormentors continued trying to pry the little chest containing the Hidden Jesus from his hands

Tarcisius grasped it all the tighter.

He fell. The youngsters piled on top of him. Tarcisius struggled to rise but they began kicking him. In his face, in his stomach, at his back and legs.

Drawn by the angry shrieks a soldier on duty policing the city, Sylvanus Dexter, himself a

Christian, happened upon the scene. A strapping young man of great strength, he waded into the melee. “Stop, Cowards!” he yelled bitterly. “Leave off!”

He yanked the frenzied boys away, tossing them against each other until they littered the ground and slunk away. Taking up the bleeding and mangled body the soldier carried Tarcisius to his own home where he washed away the blood and dirt. Coming to himself, Tarcisius recognized Sylvanus. At last the young guardian of the Sa- cred Host relaxed his hold. “I had to protect the Blessed Jesus,” he gasped. ‘Take Him to the prisoners who need Him.” The boy’s eyes closed a final time and the heroic soul of Tarcisius leapt forth in ardent flame to meet his Lord in glory.

Sylvanus carried out Tarcisius’ task then found the boy’s parents telling them of their son’s heroism. At the catacombs named for St. Callistus the sorrowing Pope Sixtus received the body of his acolyte, celebrated the Divine Sacrifice to mark the boy’s birth in heaven, and buried him.

In the fourth century, Pope St. Damasus I wrote a poem about this "boy- of the Eu- charist," saying that like St. Stephen the first martyr, Tarcisius suffered a violent death at the hands of a mob. “Rather than give up the Sacred Body of Christ to raging dogs," wrote Dama- sus, Tarcisius valiantly gave his life to prevent certain profanation.

The church of San Silvestro in Capite, Rome, claims the of St Tarcisius, holy acolyte and courageous protector of the Blessed Sacrament. Honored as the of altar servers he is also invoked as patron of First Communicants.

Throughout the centuries St Tarcisius has been a stirring example for altar boys of youth- ful courage and devotion. He gained more admirers in the mid-1800s when Nicholas Wiseman, cardinal-archbishop of Westminster, London, made the acolyte’s story part of his runaway best- seller, Fabiola or The Church of the Catacombs. His touching portrayal of the young boy’s mar- tyrdom is quite affecting.

The ancient shows the commemoration of St Tarcisius taking place on August 15th, now the observance of the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The commemoration of St Tarcisius is no longer found on the Universal Calendar of the

Church.

Sean M. Wright, former acolyte, is part of the RCIA team at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in San- ta Clarita, CA. He replies to emails sent him at [email protected].

SIDEBAR

The following prayer should be posted in every server’s sacristy for the altar servers to recite as they vest before assisting at Mass.

THE PRAYER OF AN

O God, You have graciously called me to service at Your altar. Grant me every grace necessary to serve You faithfully, reverently and wholeheartedly.

Grant, too, that I may always keep in mind the example of St. Tarcisius, who died protecting the Most Holy Eucharist, and walk the same path that led him to Heaven.

St. Tarcisius, heroic acolyte and martyr, pray for me and for all who serve at the holy altar of

God.