Sts. Marcellinus and Peter (d. 304) is one of the beloved saints of the Catholic Church. Marcellinus was a priest and Peter was an exorcist in Rome who were martyred during the persecution under Emperor Diocletian around 304. According to tradition, they were led to a thorn-covered thicket and forced to dig their own graves before being beheaded. The Church celebrates Sts. Marcellinus and Peter's feast on 06-02.
Catholic Daily brings you the life of Sts. Marcellinus and Peter as part of our commitment to helping Catholics encounter the saints of the liturgical calendar every morning. Whether you are discovering Sts. Marcellinus and Peter for the first time or deepening a long-standing devotion, this page offers biography, prayers, and practical guidance for honoring this holy patron in your daily life.
Early Life and Calling of Sts. Marcellinus and Peter
Marcellinus was a priest and Peter was an exorcist in Rome who were martyred during the persecution under Emperor Diocletian around 304. According to tradition, they were led to a thorn-covered thicket and forced to dig their own graves before being beheaded. Their names are included in the Roman Canon, the oldest Eucharistic Prayer of the Roman Rite.
The vocation of Sts. Marcellinus and Peter reminds us that holiness is not the exclusive domain of monks and nuns but the universal call of every baptized Christian. The Second Vatican Council's Dogmatic Constitution Lumen Gentium teaches that all the faithful are called to the fullness of Christian life and the perfection of charity — and Sts. Marcellinus and Peter's life is a shining example of that universal call answered with total generosity.
Patron Saint: Martyrs
Sts. Marcellinus and Peter is honored as the patron saint of Martyrs. The designation of patron saints is a beautiful expression of the Catholic doctrine of the Communion of Saints — the belief that the saints in heaven are not distant figures from the past but active intercessors who accompany us in our earthly journey.
Those who work in or are associated with Martyrs have traditionally invoked Sts. Marcellinus and Peter's intercession for protection, guidance, and grace in their particular circumstances. The patronage of Sts. Marcellinus and Peter is grounded in the specific details of Peter's life and ministry, which created a lasting bond between this saint and those who share similar callings or needs.
How to Honor Sts. Marcellinus and Peter in Your Daily Life
The Church's tradition offers many beautiful ways to honor Sts. Marcellinus and Peter and seek Peter's intercession:
On the Feast Day (06-02): Attend Mass if possible, as the liturgy on Peter's feast day will often include readings and prayers that illuminate Peter's particular sanctity. Light a candle before an image of Sts. Marcellinus and Peter and spend a few minutes in prayer.
Daily Devotion: Place an image or icon of Sts. Marcellinus and Peter in your home — in your prayer corner, on your desk, or in your car. A simple morning invocation, "St. Peter, pray for us," draws Peter's intercession into your day.
Novena: A nine-day novena to Sts. Marcellinus and Peter can be prayed before the feast day (beginning nine days prior) or at any time of particular need. Many Catholics have reported profound graces through novena prayer.
Study: Read a biography of Sts. Marcellinus and Peter. The lives of the saints are the living commentary on the Gospel — they show us what it looks like to follow Christ in a particular time, culture, and vocation.
Prayer to Sts. Marcellinus and Peter
O glorious Sts. Marcellinus and Peter, whose life was a testament to the love and power of Almighty God, look upon us with mercy from your place before His throne. You who walked the path of holiness with courage and fidelity, intercede for us who struggle in the pilgrimage of faith. Obtain for us from God the graces we most need — especially [state your intention here] — and help us to follow your example of love, courage, and total surrender to God's will. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Feast Day Prayer (from the Roman Missal):Lord our God, you have given us Sts. Marcellinus and Peter as a witness to your goodness and mercy. May we who honor Peter's memory imitate Peter's virtues and one day share Peter's joy in your presence. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Sts. Marcellinus and Peter in Art and Catholic Tradition
Sts. Marcellinus and Peter has been depicted in Catholic sacred art for centuries. Traditional iconography of the saints communicates theological truths through visual symbols — a language that transcends words and speaks directly to the heart.
Common symbols associated with Sts. Marcellinus and Peter in Catholic art may include:
- A halo or nimbus, indicating canonized sainthood
- Specific objects or instruments associated with Peter's life or martyrdom
- Liturgical vestments corresponding to Peter's state of life (religious habit, episcopal robes, or lay clothing)
- A palm branch, if Sts. Marcellinus and Peter is a martyr
A lesser-known fact about Sts. Marcellinus and Peter: Emperor Constantine built a basilica over their tomb on the Via Labicana, and their names have been recited in the Roman Canon of the Mass for over 1,600 years.
When praying before an image of Sts. Marcellinus and Peter, allow the symbols to draw your attention to the virtues they represent. Sacred art is not decoration but theology made visible — a window through which the heavenly reality shines into our earthly prayer.