Justus and Pastor

Saints Justus and Pastor (Latin: Iustus et Pastor; died c. 304) are venerated as Christian martyrs.

Saints Justus and Pastor
Sculptures of Saints Justus and Pastor. Belltower of the church of Sant Just, Barcelona.
Martyrs
Diedc. 304
outside Alcalá de Henares
Venerated inRoman Catholic Church
Orthodox Catholic Church
Major shrineAlcalá de Henares
FeastAugust 6
PatronageAlcalá de Henares; Madrid
Tower of the Cathedral of the Santos Niños in Alcalá de Henares, Spain
Cathedral of Saints Justus and Pastor of Narbonne, southern France

History

According to their Acts, they were two schoolboys (Justus was 13 years old, Pastor less than 9) who were killed for their faith during the Diocletian persecutions. Flogged and beheaded outside the Spanish city of Alcalá de Henares (known in Roman times as Complutum), they are today considered the patron saints of Alcalá.[1] They are mentioned by Prudentius.

Veneration

Relics believed to be those of Justus and Pastor were discovered in the 8th century and taken to Huesca. In 1568, they were brought back to Alcalá de Henares and interred beneath the high altar of the city's Cathedral-Magistral of Saints Justus and Pastor (known familiarly as the Catedral de los Santos Niños). Constructed between 1497 and 1514,the ancient cathedral is still in daily use, and the saints' tomb is accessible to the public.

The Basilica of Saints Justus and Pastor in Barcelona was erected in the 16th century in the Gothic style.[2]

Narbonne Cathedral located in the town of Narbonne in southern France is also dedicated to Justus and Pastor.

The story of Justus and Pastor is mentioned in the 2001 film The Others by Spanish director Alejandro Amenábar.

References
  1. Butler, Alban. "SS. Justus and Pastor, Martyrs", The Lives of the Saints. vol. VIII 1866 This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  2. Source: basilicasantjust.cat
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