March 31
Saint Benjamin
Deacon, Martyr
(Around 410 – Around 424)
“What would you think of a subject who would renounce his allegiance and join in the war against him?”
Saint Benjamin’s defense alluding to his being a subject of Christ the eternal King
Coming November 1, 2024 on Amazon
His Early Years
Benjamin was born around 410 in an unknown exact location most likely Persia (modern Iran). Little is known of his youth or his family. At some point, Benjamin became a deacon.
Christian Persecution
The Persian monarch Isdegerdes, son of Sapor III, put a stop to the cruel persecutions against the Christians begun by Sapor II. The Christians in Persia had enjoyed twelve years of peace during the reign of Isdegerd. However, in 420, this peace was disturbed by the indiscreet zeal of Abdas, a Christian Bishop who burned the Temple of Fire, the great sanctuary of the Persians. King Isdegerd threatened to destroy all the churches of the Christians unless the Bishop would rebuild it.
Since Bishop Abdas refused to comply, the threat was executed and the churches were demolished. In addition, Bishop Abdas himself was put to death, and a general persecution began which lasted forty years. King Isdegerd died in 421, but his son and successor, King Varanes, carried on the persecution with great fury. The Christians were submitted to the most cruel tortures.
His Ministry
Benjamin was known for his unwavering faith and dedication to God. Despite facing persecution and danger from the authorities, he refused to renounce his beliefs or stop spreading the gospel. Instead, he continued to travel from town to town, preaching the love of God and helping those in need.
Benjamin’s compassionate nature and selfless spirit earned him the respect and admiration of the people he encountered, and many were inspired by his faith and devotion. As a result, the number of Christians in the region continued to grow, much to the chagrin of the authorities.
Martyered Deacon
During this time of persecution among the glorious champions of Christ was Benjamin, a deacon. King Varanes caused Benjamin to be beaten and imprisoned. Benjamin had lain a year in the dungeon, when an ambassador from the Emperor of Constantinople (now Istanbul, Turkey) interceded for him and obtained his release on condition that he never speak to any of the courtiers about religion.
Although he had been liberated on the agreement made with the ambassador and the Persian authorities, Benjamin would not acquiesce in it and neglected no opportunity of preaching in the streets. Benjamin, however, declared it was his duty to preach Christ and that he could not be silent.
King Varanes was informed that Benjamin was still preaching the Faith in his kingdom. So, Benjamin was again apprehended and brought before the king. At his trial, Benjamin’s only defense when they brought him before the king was the following: “What would you think of a subject who would renounce his allegiance and join in the war against him?” obviously alluding to his being a subject of Christ the eternal King. The Persian king was not impressed. To deter other Christians, King Varanes ordered cruel tortures.
First, Benjamin had reeds thrust in between his nails and his flesh and into all the tenderest parts of his body and then withdrawn. After this torture had been repeated several times, a knotted stake was inserted into his bowels to rend and tear him. Benjamin died in the most terrible agony impaled on a stake around the year 424 in Persia.
Born : Around 410 in Persia (modern Iran)
Died: Around 424 in Persia (modern Iran)
Beatified: Pre-Congregation
Canonized: Pre-Congregation
Feast Day: March 31
Patron Saint: Evangelists; People Persecuted for Their Faith; Protection
Source:
Reflection
Saint Benjamin’s unwavering commitment to God, even in the face of persecution, serves as a testament to the strength of his faith and the depth of his devotion. His selfless nature and compassion towards those in need inspire us to follow in his footsteps and make a positive difference in the world. May we never fear voicing our love for You.
While we may never be exposed to cruel persecutions that Saint Benjamin experienced, today do some act of kindness to a complete stranger so that others may not feel neglected of the love of our most merciful and gracious Lord.
Prayers
Saint Benjamin,
Faithful deacon and courageous martyr,
You who proclaimed the Word of God with boldness, even in the face of suffering and death,
Intercede for us, that we may have the same courage in living our faith.
Help us to be steadfast in our commitment to Christ, enduring trials and difficulties with the strength that comes from God.
Teach us to spread the Gospel with love and joy, so that we may be a light to those around us.
Grant us the grace to serve with humility and devotion, following your example of selfless service to the Church and to God’s people.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Saint Benjamin, pray for me. Amen.
Saint Links
All Saints & Martyrs – Saint Benjamin – Deacon and Martyr
AnaStpaul – St Benjamin the Deacon (Died c 424) Martyr
Catholic Culture – St. Benjamin
Catholic Exchange – St. Benjamin, Deacon & Martyr
Catholic Lane – St. Benjamin, Deacon and Martyr
Catholic Online – St. Benjamin
CatholicSaints.Info – Saints of the Day – Benjamin the Deacon – by Katherine I Rabenstein
Christian Apostles – St. Benjamin
Daily Prayers – Benjamin
Editions Magnificant – Saint Benjamin Deacon, Martyr (424)
Reason2BCatholic – Saints Alive! | St. Benjamin of Persia, Deacon
Rev Alban Butler’s Lives Of The Saints Complete Edition – St Benjamin, Martyr
Saints and Angels – St. Benjamin
Saint of the Day – March 31 St. Benjamin
The Daily Mass – St. Benjamin
uCatholic – Saint Benjamin the Deacon
Video Link
Saint Benjamin the Deacon, March 31 – YouTube (A D Paul)