Saint Tarcisius was a boy who lived in ancient Rome. He loved to be outside with his friends, wrestling, running races, and playing games. But there was something different about Tarcisius. He had a dangerous secret!
Tarcisius was a Christian, which was against the law. He was an altar server and attended Mass - celebrated in hidden places - as often as he could. One day, Pope Sixtus needed someone to take the Eucharist to Christians in prison. Tarcisius bravely volunteered, willing to guard the Blessed Sacrament with his very life. When a group of boys tried to steal the Eucharist, Tarcisius was martyred protecting the most precious of treasures.
The Treasure of Saint Tarcisius presents children with a model of courage and devotion to the Eucharist, even in the face of persecution. While this story seems to have a very sad ending, Tarcisius shows all of us how to love Jesus in the Eucharist. Incredibly brave Christians like Saint Tarcisius were needed in the early Church, and they are still needed today!
