St. Basilides
Pagan Roman soldier in Alexandria who guarded St. Potamiana to her martyrdom and protected her from a hostile mob. Converted after she appeared to him in visions promising her prayers; martyred under Septimus Severus c. 205. Declared patron of Italian Prison Guards (Corpo degli Agenti di Custodia, now Polizia Penitenziaria) on September 2, 1948. Feast June 30 (Roman Martyrology).
Life & Times
Also known as: Basilides of Alexandria; Basilide · Died: c. 205 · From: Alexandria, Egypt.
Patronage
St. Basilides is invoked as the patron of prison guards (italian polizia penitenziaria, declared 1948), soldiers, converts. Those in these callings or circumstances often turn to this saint in prayer.
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About Catholic Saints
Catholic saints, including St. Basilides, are Christians whom the Catholic Church has formally recognized as having lived lifes of heroic holiness and who now dwell with God in heaven, offering an example of faith for those still on their earthly journey. Catholics don't worship saints, but ask them to pray to God with us and for us — much as one might ask a trusted friend to pray for them — trusting that those closest to God can join their voices to ours before Him. Discover more saints in the Catholic Shop Saints section.