Servandus and Cermanus facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Saint Servandus and Germanus |
|
|---|---|
| Died | ~305 AD |
| Venerated in | Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox Church |
| Feast | October 23 |
| Attributes | Depicted as young soldiers |
| Patronage | Cádiz |
Servandus and Germanus (Spanish: San Servando y San Germán) were two young men from Spain who lived a long time ago, around the year 305 AD. They are remembered as Christian saints because they died for their faith. They were killed near the city of Cádiz.
People believe that Servandus and Germanus came from Mérida. They were said to be the sons of another saint, Saint Marcellus the Centurion. They joined the Roman Army but were put in prison when people found out they were Christians. Even in prison, they helped other people become Christians.
During a time when Christians were treated very badly, known as the Diocletian persecution, a Roman official named Viator ordered them to be tortured. They were put in prison again. Viator then made them walk a very long way, barefoot and in chains, from Mérida all the way to Cádiz. He wanted to send them to another place called Mauritania Tingitana, but he couldn't find a boat. So, Servandus and Germanus were executed on a hill near Cádiz.
After they died, Germanus was buried in Mérida, and Servandus was buried in Cádiz. Later, Servandus's body was moved to Seville. Today, the hill where they were executed is thought to be either Cerro de los Mártires (in San Fernando) or Cerro de Torrejosa (near Facinas).
Remembering Servandus and Germanus
Servandus and Germanus are mentioned in old Christian books that list saints, like those by Bede and Usuard. They are also honored in special prayer books used in places like Toledo, Seville, and Salamanca.
They are considered the patron saints of Cádiz, which means they are special protectors of the city. This was made official in 1619. Every year, on the Sunday closest to October 23, people in the town of San Fernando celebrate a festival for Saints Servandus and Germanus. During this festival, statues of the saints are carried in a procession through the streets.
A famous sculptor named Luisa Roldán (1650–1704), also known as La Roldana, created beautiful sculptures of these two saints in Cádiz.
See also
In Spanish: Servando y Germán para niños
