Tarsicius is the patron of first communicants, altar boys, and a confraternity of the Blessed Sacrament. Tarsicius is believed to have been a deacon in Rome.

Around the year 255, as he was carrying the Blessed Sacrament along the Appian Way to give Communion to imprisoned Christians, bystanders seized him. He was beaten to death with stones and clubs, rather than allow the Blessed Sacrament to be turned over to them to be profaned.

Pope Saint Damasus in the 4th century wrote a poem about Tarsicius, chronicling the events of his martyrdom. The text of the poem can be found on his tomb. His relics are in the Church of San Silvestro.

Other Saints We Remember Today

St. Clare of Assisi (1253), Virgin, Foundress of the Poor Clares

St. Euplius (4th Century), Martyr