Pancras

Saint Pancras is a young Christian martyr who lived at the end of the 3rd and beginning of the 4th centuries. Born around 289, he is traditionally reputed to be a Roman citizen of Phrygian origin. Converted to Christianity, he refused to renounce his faith during the Diocletianic Persecution. He was beheaded in 304, at the age of about 14, on the Via Aurelia, near Rome. His tomb quickly became a pilgrimage site. He is venerated as one of the Ice Saints and is invoked notably for the protection of children and against false oaths. His cult is very ancient and widespread, particularly in Italy, England, and Germany.