St. Genesius, a Comedian & Martyr (26 August): Butler's Lives of the Saints

About this sermon

On August 26, Butler’s Lives of the Saints recounts the astonishing conversion and martyrdom of St. Genesius, an actor who intended to ridicule Christianity before Emperor Diocletian. During a theatrical performance, Genesius mocked the ceremonies of Christian baptism. But in the middle of the performance, something changed. What began as ridicule became a sincere profession of faith. Genesius declared that he desired the grace of Jesus Christ and wished to be delivered from his sins. He later testified that he had seen bright angels holding a book containing all the sins of his life. After the baptismal water was poured upon him, he saw the book become “whiter than snow.” Standing before Diocletian and the assembled crowd, Genesius proclaimed Jesus Christ as the true Lord, Light, and Truth. The enraged emperor ordered him beaten, stretched upon the rack, torn with iron hooks, and burned with torches. Yet Genesius refused to deny Christ: “No torment shall remove Jesus Christ from my heart or mouth.” At last, he was beheaded for the Faith he had once despised. From mockery to conversion. From the stage to martyrdom. St. Genesius, pray for us. #StGenesius #CatholicSaints #ButlersLivesOfTheSaints #CatholicMartyrs #Conversion #CatholicFaith #ChristianMartyrs #Diocletian #SaintOfTheDay #SensusFidelium 00:00 St. Genesius, Comedian and Martyr 00:17 The Extraordinary Power of God’s Grace 00:32 Diocletian Arrives in Rome 00:47 A Plan to Mock Christian Baptism 01:02 Genesius Takes the Stage 01:26 “I Am Resolved to Die a Christian” 01:43 Suddenly Converted by Divine Inspiration 01:52 “I Desire the Grace of Jesus Christ” 01:59 The Baptismal Ceremony 02:14 Presented Before the Emperor 02:22 Genesius Publicly Confesses Christ 02:40 Why He Had Mocked Christianity 02:47 A Vision of Angels and His Sins 03:04 The Book Becomes White as Snow 03:12 “Jesus Christ Is the True Lord” 03:30 Diocletian Orders Him Tortured 03:39 The Rack, Iron Hooks & Burning Torches 03:46 “There Is No Other Lord” 03:54 “No Torment Shall Remove Jesus Christ” 04:03 Repentance for His Former Life 04:12 The Martyrdom of St. Genesius 04:20 Ancient Calendars Record His Name 04:29 Dating the Martyrdom 05:10 Conclusion https://sensusfidelium.com/the-lives-of-the-fathers-martyrs-and-other-principal-saints/august/st-genesius/ Get Butler's Lives of the Saints here: https://loretopublications.idevaffiliate.com/idevaffiliate.php?id=102&url=1 🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴 ✝️ SUPPORT THE MISSION 🙏 Donate https://sensusfidelium.com/donate-support/ 📬 Free Catholic Newsletter https://sensusfidelium.com/newsletter/ 📰 Read on Substack https://sensusfidelium.substack.com/ ──────────────────── 📺 WATCH & READ 📺 Sensus Fidelium App https://sensusfidelium.tv/ 📚 Sensus Fidelium Press https://sensusfideliumpress.com/ 👕 Official Merchandise https://sensusfidelium.com/merchandise/ ──────────────────── 🤝 PARTNER WITH US 📣 Advertise on Sensus Fidelium https://sensusfidelium.com/advertise-with-sensus-fidelium/ 🎤 Invite Steve Cunningham to Speak https://sensusfidelium.com/speaking/ ⛪ Parish Formation & Consultation https://sensusfidelium.com/for-parishes/ ──────────────────── 🌎 CATHOLIC COMMUNITY ✝️ Trusted Catholic Businesses https://sensusfidelium.com/catholic-businesses/ 🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴

Topics

• Suffering & Trials