Saint Longinus the Centurian
Also known as
- Longino
- 16 October
- 15 October (Extraordinary Form)
- 22 October (Armenian Apostolic Church)
- 14 November (Coptic Orthodox Church)
- formerly 15 March
Profile
Soldier who pierced the side of Jesus at the Crucifixion. Convert. Martyred by order of Pontius Pilate.
Born
- martyred in Cappadocia in the 1st century
- relics in the church of Saint Augustine in Rome, Italy
- some relics under the altar of the church of San Niccolo in Baschi, Italy
- lance
- soldier, often in a uniform contemporaneous with the artist, carrying a spear
- soldier at the foot of the cross
Readings
When Jesus had taken the wine, he said, “It is finished.” And bowing his head, he handed over the spirit. Now since it was preparation day, in order that the bodies might not remain on the cross on the sabbath, for the sabbath day of that week was a solemn one, the Jews asked Pilate that their legs be broken and they be taken down. So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and then of the other one who was crucified with Jesus. But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs, but one soldier thrust his lance into his side, and immediately blood and water flowed out. An eyewitness has testified, and his testimony is true; he knows that he is speaking the truth, so that you also may (come to) believe. For this happened so that the scripture passage might be fulfilled: “Not a bone of it will be broken.” And again another passage says: “They will look upon him whom they have pierced.” – John 19:30-37
MLA Citation
- “Saint Longinus the Centurian“. CatholicSaints.Info. 13 March 2023. Web. 29 April 2024. <>