Aaron Ventresca

Mr. Campbell
Religion II
December 15, 2017
St. Genesius: Praising God Through Theatre
St. Genesius, the patron saint of actors, possesses a unique story that Christians can look

to for inspiration. Born sometime in the third century A.D., Genesius was a comedian,

playwright, and actor of some repute in ancient Italy. At the time Genesius lived, acting was

considered an inferior profession (and still is today); actors seldom were able to distinguish

themselves in society and were often looked down upon by many. In an attempt to better his

societal standing, Genesius traveled to Rome.

In 303 A.D., Emperor Diocletian celebrated the twenty-year anniversary of his rule.

Diocletian, a brutal emperor, ushered in an era of martyrdom, a time period that claimed the

death of numerous innocents. As a way of finding favor with the emperor, Genesius planned to

write and stage his own satirical play mocking Christianity, as Diocletian would often murder

Christians. To make his piece accurate, Genesius figured that the best way to learn about

Christianity was to enter the catechumenate. Using his God-given acting ability, Genesius

persuaded wary Christian officials to allow him to enter the catechumenate. After entering the

catechumenate, a dangerous scheme, Genesius took a special interest in the Sacrament of

Baptism and how Baptism would wash away the sins of the human person. Gathering enough

material for his piece, Genesius left the catechumenate to create his play mocking Christianity.

While staging his piece, Genesius found it extremely difficult to resist the thoughts of Christ

Jesus and often felt a strong pull toward God. As a Pagan living in an Anti-Christian society,

Genesius dismissed his thoughts. Eventually, the time came for Genesius to put on his
performance. In his production, Genesius played a sick man who was supposed to cry out to be

Baptized. Another actor portraying a Christian priest poured water over Genesius head. As soon

as Genesius was “Baptized”, the grace of the Lord descended upon him. Genesius began to

proclaim the word of God saying, “I came here today to please an earthly Emperor but what I

have done is to please a heavenly King. I came here to give you laughter, but what I have done is

to give joy to God and his angels.” The emperor became furious and immediately stopped the

performance; Genesius and his troupe were arrested. After much interrogation, Genesius refused

to venerate the Pagan gods. Plautian, his torturer, brutally lacerated Genesius with hooks, beat

him, and burned him with torches. Despite his inhumane treatment, Genesius remained faithful

to God. Genesius was then executed that same year after consistently denying the Pagan faith

(303 A.D.).

Personally, I greatly look up to Genesius, as he unknowingly praised God through a

theatrical medium. I seek to be more like Genesius and always strive to be glorify God through

my theatrical endeavors, making a counter-cultural statement. Genesius was Baptized by blood; I

admire this quality, as it demonstrates dedication to the One True God even to the point of. In

sum, St. Genesius, an excellent Christian role model, serves to exemplify how society should

strive to praise God through the arts.

(In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.) Saint. Genesius, patron of actors, we humbly beseech you
for your intercession; grant us the courage to proclaim the divine
Truth as you did and to be inspired to convey the messages of
Christ through the arts, whether in the theatre or in visual
mediums. May our Baptism be as beautiful a conversion as yours
once was, for being cleansed by divine water leads to a lifetime of
devotion to the One True God. Baptized by blood, may we never
forget the sacrifice of martyrs like you, ensuring us freedom to
worship. May we be obedient to the point of death, offering our
life for our Savior. Amen. (In the name of the Father and of the
Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.)
 Works Cited

"Saint Genesius." Roman Catholic Saints, SBI, 2011, www.roman-catholic-saints.com/saint-

genesius.html. Accessed 6 Dec. 2017.

"St. Genesius." Catholic Online, 2017, www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=185.

Accessed 6 Dec. 2017.

"St. Genesius." St. Genesius, Saints Preserved, saintspreserved.com/genesius/St_Genesius.htm.

Accessed 6 Dec. 2017.

"St. Genesius of Rome." The Fraternity of St. Genesius, 2007,

www.stgenesius.com/genesiusofrome.html. Accessed 6 Dec. 2017.

"St. Genesius Prayer." St. Genesius Prayer, St. Genesius Prayer. Accessed 6 Dec. 2017.