Priscilla and Aquila were a married couple from the early Church, well-known in Scripture for being “co-workers in Christ” with St. Paul—even allowing their home to be used as a local church.

Associating with Paul, the couple traveled with him throughout the region, living in Corinth, Ephesus, and Rome. Paul used their home as a headquarters during his journeys, and they would open their house as a gathering place for the Church wherever they lived. At one point, Paul says, they “risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I am grateful but also all the churches of the Gentiles” (Rom 16:4).

Aquila was a tent-maker, a trade he shared with Paul. We do not know if Paul brought them to faith in Christ, or if they were already Christians when they met Paul. It is certain, however, that they were pillars of the early Church. They instructed others in the faith and their hospitality gave early Christians a place to break bread together and remember Jesus’ words and deeds.

The relics of Sts. Priscilla and Aquila rest in the reliquary chapel in the Basilica, and their image is used here with permission from Catholic.org.

Sts. Priscilla and Aquila, you worked with Paul and gave a home to the early Church—pray for us!