Perfectus facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Saint Perfectus |
|
|---|---|
| Martyr | |
| Born | Córdoba, Al-Andalus |
| Died | 18 April 850 Córdoba Al-Andalus |
| Venerated in | Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox Church |
| Feast | 18 April |
Saint Perfectus (also known as Santo Perfecto) was a Christian priest who lived a long time ago. He died on April 18, 850. He is remembered as one of the Martyrs of Córdoba. These were people who died for their Christian faith in a place called Córdoba. Their stories were written down by Saint Eulogius.
Contents
Early Life and Faith
Perfectus was born in Córdoba. At that time, Córdoba was part of a region called Al-Andalus. This area was ruled by the Moors, who were Muslims. Even though the rulers were Muslim, Christians were generally allowed to practice their religion.
Perfectus became a monk and a priest. He worked at a church called the basilica of St. Acisclus in Córdoba.
A Difficult Challenge
In the year 850, Perfectus was walking when two Muslim men stopped him. They asked him a very difficult question: who was the greater prophet, Jesus or Mohammed?
Perfectus knew this was a sensitive topic. He tried not to answer at first. But the men kept asking him. They promised they would protect him if he gave an honest answer. So, Perfectus finally shared his belief that Jesus was the greater prophet.
Arrest and Martyrdom
The Muslim men kept their promise and let Perfectus go. However, a few days later, some other people heard about what Perfectus had said. They decided to arrest him.
Perfectus was brought before an Islamic court. He was found guilty of blasphemy. This means he was accused of saying something disrespectful about a religion. He was sentenced to death.
On April 18, 850, Perfectus was executed. He was beheaded. It is said that his last words were a blessing for Christ and a statement of his faith.
Legacy and Feast Day
Perfectus was one of the first Christians to be killed for his faith during a time of increased persecution in Al-Andalus. This period began in 850 under a ruler named Abd ar-Rahman II. It continued under his son, Muhammad I, and happened off and on until 960.
Today, Saint Perfectus is remembered by the Roman Catholic Church. His special day, called a feast day, is celebrated every year on April 18.
See also
In Spanish: Perfecto de Córdoba para niños
