Who Was Saint Simplicio, Brother of Faustino and Viatrice?

Saints

A Roman layman and brother of Saints Faustino and Viatrice, martyred during the third century in Rome.

Saint Simplicio was a layman in Rome, the brother of Saints Faustino and Viatrice, who died as a martyr sometime during the third century. Distinct from another martyr of the same name traditionally dated to 302, this Simplicio is remembered through his family connection to Faustino and Viatrice and his shared witness with them.

No known portrait of Saint Simplicio Rome Iii Century
No portrait or image of Saint Simplicio Rome Iii Century is known to survive; this icon marks pages without an identifiable image.

Quick Facts

  • Died: III century (traditional), at Rome, Italy
  • Venerated as: Layman and martyr; brother of Saints Faustino and Viatrice

Who Was Saint Simplicio?

Simplicio was the brother of Saints Faustino and Viatrice, a Roman Christian family remembered together in the martyrological tradition. His death is placed generally within the third century, a period marked by recurring, if uneven, persecution of Christians across the Roman Empire.

Historical Setting

The third century brought several waves of persecution against Christians in Rome, under emperors such as Decius and Valerian, interspersed with periods of relative peace. Families with multiple members martyred, as appears to be the case here, were not uncommon in this turbulent century.

Why the Church Remembers Saint Simplicio

Simplicio is remembered as part of a family witness alongside his siblings Faustino and Viatrice, their combined martyrdom reflecting how deeply Christian conviction could run within a single household during this era of persecution.

Canonization and Feast Day

No formal canonization process is recorded for Simplicio. His veneration rests on the ancient and immemorial cult of the Roman church, honoring this family of martyrs through liturgical memory long before formal canonization procedures existed.

What Catholics Can Learn Today

The shared martyrdom of Simplicio and his siblings highlights the power of family formation in the faith, where conviction passed between brothers and sisters proved strong enough to withstand the ultimate test.

A Prayer to Saint Simplicio

Saint Simplicio, brother and martyr alongside Faustino and Viatrice, you and your family held fast to Christ together. Strengthen the bonds of faith within families facing trials today. Amen.

Sources

  • Roman Martyrology