Saint of the Day for 31 March: St. Benjamin
St Benjamin: Reflections and Teachings for Our Lives
Name
St. Benjamin
Title
Deacon and martyr
Birth
4th century, Persia
Death
420, Persia
Recurrence
31 March
Martyrology
2004 edition
Prayer
O glorious Saint Benjamin, who with ardent zeal proclaimed the word of God without fear of persecution and suffering, grant us the courage to bear witness to the faith with firmness and love. Thou who, though imprisoned, hast not ceased to enlighten hearts with the truth of the Gospel, make us faithful to our Christian mission, so that no fear or threat may turn us away from the way of the Lord. Intercede for us with the Father, that we may face life’s trials with fortitude and, following your example, remain steadfast in hope and charity. Saint Benjamin, martyr of Christ, obtain for us the grace to always be instruments of his light and mercy. Amen.
Roman Martyrology
At Argol in Persia, Saint Benjamin, a deacon, who did not desist from preaching the word of God and, under the reign of Vararane, suffered martyrdom with sharpened reeds driven into his nails.
The Saint and Mission
St Benjamin is a figure who embodies the strength of faith and the importance of pursuing a mission with determination and courage. His life, unfortunately marked by martyrdom, invites us to reflect on the beauty of sacrifice for a greater cause, that of truth and God’s love. His mission, which took place in a difficult and often hostile context, testifies to the incredible power of a vocation that does not fear difficulties, but faces them with a heart firm in hope. Benjamin not only taught through words, but also demonstrated by his example that the mission to bring the Gospel is a calling that overcomes the adversities of the earthly world, orienting life towards eternity. In him we see a model of authentic faith, which does not give up even in the face of death, but offers its life as a testimony to the divine light.
The Saint and Mercy
St Benjamin, through his life and martyrdom, invites us to reflect on the depth of divine mercy. His figure is not only that of a man of faith, but also of a witness to God’s compassion, which manifests itself even in the most extreme moments. His mission, marked by courage and love, is a call to never lose hope, even when the world seems to forget goodness. God’s mercy, which Saint Benjamin lived and brought, is never a gesture of mere indulgence, but a profound act of transformation, capable of touching the human heart even in its fragility. His life teaches us that mercy is not only forgiveness, but also a daily commitment to live with kindness, compassion and an open heart towards others, even when circumstances seem hostile. In this sense, his testimony is a light that guides us to understand how mercy is the force that transforms and renews, even in the most difficult situations.
Hagiography
Saint Benjamin, the only one of this name, lived in Persia around the year 400. During the reign of Isdeberge, worshipper of fire and the sun, Christians suffered severe persecution. The deacon Benjamin was imprisoned for two years because of his preaching. His importance was such that the ambassador of the Roman emperor Theodosius, during peace negotiations with the Persian king, asked for his release…