Saint’s Life Story

His Early Life

Very little is known about the early life of Nemesius (also known as Nemesion), except that he was born in Egypt, most likely Alexandria. Information about his parents, occupation, or upbringing has not survived. Details of his early life are scarce, but he was known as a man of moral integrity, strong faith, and devotion to Christ. What is also certain is that he grew up in Alexandria in the third century, one of the most culturally vibrant and religiously diverse cities of the ancient world.

Nemesius is not known for a dramatic personal conversion. Instead, his life reflects a steady and unwavering discipleship. Even as a lay Christian, Nemesius was known for upright living, devotion to prayer, and care for others, traits that would define his witness and prepare him for the trials that lay ahead.

Faith under Persecution

During the reign of Emperor Decius, Christians throughout the empire faced a violent campaign of persecution. They were required to offer sacrifice to the Roman gods. Refusal was met with torture, imprisonment, and death. Nemesius’ courage shone during this period.

Accused and Cleared

The defining moment of Nemesius’ life began when he was apprehended and arrested, being falsely accused on the charges of theft. He stood before the judge during his trial, demonstrated his innocence, and cleared himself of all accusations.

Accused of Being a Christian

However, instead of receiving freedom, Nemesius was interrogated about his Christian identity. When he boldly professed his faith, the officials condemned him, a twisted injustice to serve the Emperor Decius’ hostility toward Christians. Although innocent of any wrongdoing, he was condemned to die among thieves.

Tortured and Sentenced

Initially, Nemesius was imprisoned with a number of thieves. Then, he was subjected to torture. His punishment was being whipped and beaten twice as severely as the punishment upon the actual criminals. After enduring repeated torment, he was sentenced to be burned alive with two other thieves.

His executioners intended this to be a humiliation, placing him among criminals to mock his faith. Yet, this very arrangement made his death a powerful reflection of the Crucifixion. The Savior Himself was crucified between two thieves, and Nemesius followed that same path of innocent suffering.

Martyrdom

Nemesius was tied to a stake and burnt alive between the two robbers around 250 in Alexandria, Egypt. Nemesius did not leave behind sermons or writings, but his death became a visible proclamation of the truth that “If we suffer with him, we shall also be glorified with him.”

At the same, four other Christians were also arrested in that persecution. There stood at the same time, near the prefect’s tribunal, four soldiers and another person who, being Christians, boldly encouraged a confessor attached to the rack. They were taken before the judge, who condemned them to be beheaded. The prefect was astonished, seeing the joy with which they walked to the place of execution.

Three others, named Heron, Ater and Saint Isidore, all Egyptians, were arraigned at Alexandria with Dioscorus, a youth only fifteen years old, during the same persecution. After enduring the most cruel rending and disjointing of their limbs, they were burnt alive, with the exception of Dioscorus, whom the judge dismissed because of his tender age.

Born:                     Unknown exact date in Egypt, most likely Alexandria, Egypt

Died:                     Around 250 in Alexandria, Egypt

Beatified:             Pre-Congregation

Canonized:          Pre-Congregation

Feast Day:           December 19

Patron Saint:      Alexandria, Egypt

Source:

• CatholicSaints.Info » Saint Nemesius of Alexandria
• Saint Nemesion of Alexandria and other Christians of the same Persecution, Martyrs from Little Pictorial Lives of the Saints by John Gilmary Shea
• December 19th – Saint of the Day: Saint Nemesius of Alexandria, Martyr – Holy Manna!
• Saint Nemesius of Alexandria – Saint for a Minute
• Nemesion – Wikipedia

Prayers

Video Link

St Nemesius – Saint of the Day with Fr Lindsay – 19 December 2022 – YouTube (St Francis Xavier – SPRING of FAITH)