Sts. Nemesius and Isidore were martyrs who gave their lives for their faith in ancient Alexandria.

Around the year 250, an Egyptian named Nemesius was arrested in Alexandria for theft. In the course of his trial, it was discovered that he was a Christian, a crime punishable by death under the imperial persecution. He confessed his faith, and was imprisoned with a number of thieves. Nemesius was whipped and beaten twice as severely as the others.

After their beating, Nemesius and the other criminals were killed by being burned. Tradition honors him for dying among thieves, just as Jesus did.

Four other Christians were also arrested in that persecution. Among them were a man named Isidore and a boy who was 15 years old. The judge tried to convince the boy to denounce his faith, and then had him tortured with Isidore and his friends. When they remained firm, Isidore and his friends were killed by being burned, but the boy was turned loose.

The feast day of St. Isidore and his companions is Dec. 14, and St. Nemesius is remembered today. The relics of Sts. Nemesius and Isidore rest in the reliquary chapel in the Basilica, and this image of St. Nemesius is used with permission from Catholic.org.

Sts. Nemesius and Isidore, you were treated worse than criminals and died for your faith, pray for us!