St. Longinus
The Converted Centurion
"Truly this was the Son of God." (Note: This quote is traditionally attributed to St. Longinus, the Roman centurion who pierced Christ's side and later converted, as mentioned in Matthew 27:54.)"
Saint Facts
- Origin:
- Italy
- Gender:
- Male
- Vocation:
- Unknown
- Birth:
- Unknown
- Feast Day:
- Mar 15
- Death:
- Unknown
Saint Details
St. Longinus is best known as the Roman centurion who pierced Jesus' side with a spear during the Crucifixion, as recorded in the Gospel of John. Although the Gospel accounts do not provide his name, tradition identifies him as Longinus, likely derived from the Latin word for "lance." Following the Crucifixion, Longinus is said to have converted to Christianity, but this detail is part of the legend surrounding his life rather than a verified historical fact. The exact circumstances of his conversion and later life remain unclear due to the lack of historical documentation. According to some accounts, he abandoned his military career and lived as a monk, but these stories are not supported by historical evidence. St. Longinus is celebrated on March 15, and his legacy is one of conversion and repentance, symbolizing the transformative power of Christ's sacrifice. His relics are venerated in various locations, but the specifics of his canonization and death are not well-documented. Despite the uncertainty surrounding many aspects of his life, St. Longinus remains a significant figure in Christian tradition, often invoked by those seeking spiritual awakening.
Associated Holy Sites
Rotunda sv. Longina
Na Rybníčku 8, Nové Město, 120 00 Praha-Praha 2, Czechia
Dark Church
İsali - Gaferli - Avcılar, 50180 Göreme/Nevşehir Merkez/Nevşehir, Türkiye
Details for: Rotunda sv. Longina
The Rotunda sv. Longina, located in Prague, Czech Republic, is a small Romanesque church with deep historical and religious significance. Dedicated to Saint Longinus, a Roman centurion traditionally believed to have witnessed the crucifixion of Jesus and later converted to Christianity, the rotunda is one of the oldest surviving structures in Prague. Built in the 11th century, it is a rare example of early medieval architecture and serves as a testament to the city’s Christian heritage. Pilgrims visit the site to reflect on Saint Longinus’s story of faith and transformation, as well as to experience the spiritual atmosphere of this ancient place of worship. The rotunda’s simple yet profound design, combined with its connection to early Christian history, makes it a meaningful destination for those seeking to deepen their faith and connect with the roots of Christianity in Central Europe.
🙏 No spam. Just grace. Unsubscribe anytime.