Buddy System Saints
Saints Nereus and Achilleus are remembered for their “not just following orders” conversion: tradition says they had been members of this profession before refusing to persecute Christians.
Soldiers
In Christian art, St. Pancras is often shown holding this branch, a standard symbol of martyrdom and victory.
Palm
In 1917, Mary is said to have appeared near Fátima in this country.
Portugal
After Judas’ betrayal and death, St. Matthias was chosen to restore this group to its symbolic number.
The Twelve Apostles
In the first reading, Philip preaches Christ in this region, whose people had long had a tense relationship with the Jews.
Samaria
Nereus and Achilleus belong to the age when Christianity was still illegal in the Empire — before this emperor’s legalization of the faith.
Constantine
Tradition says Pancras was born in Phrygia, an ancient region of Asia Minor in what is now this country.
Turkey
Our Lady of Fátima appeared to three shepherd children: Lúcia, Francisco, and this girl, Francisco’s sister.
Jacinta
The choosing of Matthias is described in this New Testament book, right before Pentecost.
Acts of the Apostles
In the Gospel, Jesus promises his disciples, “I will not leave you” as these abandoned children.
Orphans
Much of what we know about Saints Nereus and Achilleus comes not from a long biography, but from this kind of inscription placed near a tomb.
Epitaph
St. Pancras was martyred in this city, the capital of the empire that persecuted many early Christians.
Rome
At Fátima, Mary repeatedly asked the children to pray this set of mysteries and Hail Marys for peace and conversion.
The Rosary
Before Matthias was chosen, St. Peter said the replacement had to be someone who had followed Jesus from the baptism of John through this event, when Christ was taken up into heaven.
The Ascension
In the second reading, St. Peter says Christians should be ready to answer anyone who asks the reason for this within them.
Hope
The memory of Saints Nereus and Achilleus was preserved at their burial place, showing how early devotion to saints often grew around these underground Roman cemeteries.
Catacombs
Because he was killed during the last great Roman persecution, St. Pancras is often associated with this emperor.
Diocletian
The final apparition at Fátima, on October 13, 1917, is associated with this famous solar event witnessed by a large crowd.
The Miracle of the Sun
Matthias was not the only candidate; the other man considered was Joseph, also called Barsabbas, and also known by this very fair-minded nickname.
Justus
After the Samaritans had been baptized, Peter and John prayed over them and used this apostolic gesture, associated with the sacrament of Confirmation.
The laying on of hands
The most famous ancient testimony about Nereus and Achilleus comes from Pope Damasus I, who is also remembered for supporting St. Jerome’s work on this Latin Bible translation.
Vulgate
In England, St. Pancras is especially familiar because a major London railway station bears his name — and now connects travelers to continental Europe through this train service.
Eurostar
At Fátima, Mary told the children that God wished to establish devotion to this, often represented in art with flames, roses, and a sword...or seven.
The Immaculate Heart of Mary
Rather than holding a campaign speech or vote, the apostles prayed and used this ancient method to discern whether Matthias or Joseph should take Judas’ place.
Casting lots
In the Gospel, Jesus promises “another Advocate,” whom he also identifies by this three-word title.
The Spirit of Truth