When Diocletion gave the western half of the Roman Empire to the Emperor Maximin, Maximin ordered a magnificent structure in Rome to be built in token of his gratitude. To this day, its ruins are still known. What many may not know, however, is that Catholics who were imprisoned for their Faith were forced, under the watchful eye of cruel supervisors, to labor at this building.

At length, a zealous Catholic Roman was moved with pity for these poor victims of persecution, and resolved to do what he could to improve their condition. In order to help them, this pious Roman turned to a deacon named Cyriac, who was known for his zeal in the performance of good works. Cyriac and two companions, Largus and Smaragdus, were chosen to help the suffering Catholics. The good deacon fervently devoted himself to this charity.

One day, while Cyriac visited the laborers to distribute food among them, he noticed a feeble old man. The poor man was so weak that it was clearly impossible for him to perform his severe task. Filled with pity, Cyriac offered to take his place. The aged prisoner consented, and from then on, the merciful deacon sacrificed his time and safety to work hard with the prisoners at the building.

In time, Cyriac was discovered, and thrown into prison. But even there, he found opportunities to practice his zealous charity. There were some blind men who had great confidence in the power of his prayer. They came to him and asked for help in their heavy trial. Through his great and confident love for God, Cyriac obtained a miracle for them - he restored their sight. For three years, Cyriac and his companions remained in prison. But this trial, like all of the crosses God sends His faithful children, was a providential blessing. For it was during the hard time of his imprisonment, that the holy deacon healed many sick and converted many pagans to the True Faith.

It was then that Emperor Diocletian's little daughter became possessed by a devil. No one could free her from it, and it continued to torment her. When idolatrous priests were called to drive it out, the demon declared that he would only be forced to leave when commanded by Cyriac, the deacon. The Saint was urgently summoned. After praying, he made the Sign of the Cross over the girl and the evil spirit departed. The emperor, out of gratitude, present Cyriac with a house, where he and his companions might serve their God in peace, no longer bothered by their enemies.

Around this time, the daughter of the Persian King Sapor was tormented by demonic possession. When Sapor heard what Cyriac had done for Diocletian's daughter, he wrote to the emperor, asking him to send the Catholic deacon. Cyriac was sent for, and he immediately set out for Persia on foot. When he arrived, he prayed over the girl and the devil left her. Four hundred and twenty pagans converted to the Faith when they found out about this miracle. After instructing and baptizing this multitude, the Saint set out for home.

Back in Rome, Cyriac continued his life of prayer and good works. But soon afterward, Diocletian left for the East. His co-emperor Maximin seized this opportunity to vent his hatred for the Catholics, and renewed the persecution. One of his first victims was Cyriac. The Saint was loaded with chains and brought before the judge. This pagan tried using flattery and promises to influence Cyriac to renounce Christ and sacrifice to the idols. But his efforts were in vain.

The heroic confessor of Christ was sent with his companions to be tortured. They were stretched on the rack, their limbs were torn from their sockets, and they were beaten with clubs. At length, the emperor and the judge were convinced that no power, on or under the earth, would shake the constancy of these holy martyrs. Finally, these brave and loyal Catholics were beheaded. They met their God and Savior in unending happiness on March 16, 303.

St. Cyriac’s admirable self-sacrifice and bravery can only be explained by his great love for God. Following Christ’s command, this Saint loved God with his whole mind, heart and soul, and his neighbor as himself.

Sometimes people say, “A friend of yours is a friend of mine” - so the Saints feel for us all. God has an intense love for each of us. So, in loving Him, the Saints, and especially St. Cyriac, shared in His Divine Love for all souls. This is the burning charity which compelled him to make incredible sacrifices for the temporal and eternal needs of those around him. Even pagans benefited by his generosity, especially to the point of being freed from their error.

As to his fellow-Catholics, St. Cyriac helped them bear their burdens, relieved them in their sufferings, assisted and encouraged them by word and deed, and edified them by his example. In the end, it was this wonderful virtue of charity - the love of God - that united him to his Creator for all eternity. St. Cyriac still possesses this love for us all, and he will obtain it for each of us, if we ask him for his intercession and friendship.