St. Genesius

A while back I came across a little known saint named St. Genesius. He was an actor in the 3rd century and a pagan-turned-Christian at the most peculiar time.
In the Old Testament, God gave his prophets the gifts to perform great deeds in His Name at the moment of the greatest effect. All of Egypt bore witness to the plagues and the parting of the Red Sea. It seems that the conversion of the pagans was no different. St. Genesius researched Christianity and wrote play to mock it, so that he could earn the attention of Emperor Diocletian and possibly a position as performer of the Emperial Court. The aspect he was mocking in his play was Baptism, and at the moment when water was poured on his head, his mind was opened to the fullness of truth. He began evangelizing on the spot!

Emperor Diocletian was less than pleased. His hatred for Christianity was well known. Genesius was ordered to be "punished" for his actions. Genesius held fast to his new-found faith and continued to evangelize throughout his suffering.

After his execution, his body was claimed by a group of Christians, and he was buried in a special place with the other martyrs of that location.

That was not the end of his story. News of his conversion spread, and another Genesius rose up the ranks. He was named for the actor and followed his example. He became the Emperor's secretary and refused to record the "glorious deeds" the involved the execution of Christians. He, too, was martyred. He, too, was honored as a saint.

St. Genesius of Rome has been an inspiration for 1707 years, and today we still seek his intercession in matters of music, theater, and cinema. This is why he is the patron of Holy Heart Media!

St. Genesius, PRAY FOR US!