Who Was Saint Lucius of Cyrene?

Saints

Saint Lucius of Cyrene appears in Acts 13:1 among the prophets and teachers of the Christian community at Antioch. His name stands beside Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Manaen and Saul. Scripture gives us a brief glimpse of a community praying and serving together.

Lucius in the Bible

Acts 13:1–3 describes the community worshipping and fasting as the Holy Spirit calls Barnabas and Saul to missionary work. Lucius is part of the group named at the beginning of this account. The passage does not give his birth date, death date or a detailed biography.

Cyrene, Antioch and later tradition

Cyrene was in North Africa, in present-day Libya. Antioch, where Acts places Lucius, was in ancient Syria, near modern Antakya in Turkey. These places should not be confused. Catholic tradition also remembers Lucius as a bishop of Cyrene; Catholic Online lists his commemoration on 6 May. The episcopal tradition goes beyond the details stated in Acts.

The exact circumstances and date of his death are uncertain.

What can we learn?

Think of the quiet parish member who helps others answer God’s call. Their name may rarely appear in a newsletter, but their prayers and service matter. Lucius reminds us that Christian mission is shared work, sustained by a community.

A prayer

Saint Lucius of Cyrene, pray for our parish communities. Help us listen to the Holy Spirit and support those called to serve the Gospel. Amen.

Sources

Acts 13:1–3; Catholic Online: Saint Lucius of Cyrene. Browse the saints directory.