Saint Narcissus of Jerusalem

Narcissus became bishop of Jerusalem late in the second century, already an old man. Our main source is the historian Eusebius of Caesarea. Around 195 Narcissus presided with Theophilus of Caesarea over a council of bishops in Palestine that decided Easter should always be celebrated on a Sunday.

Eusebius records that one Easter vigil, when the deacons ran out of oil for the lamps, Narcissus had water drawn, prayed over it, and it became oil. His strictness made enemies, who accused him of a grave crime. Though no one believed them, Narcissus withdrew to live as a hermit in the desert for several years, and other bishops were appointed. When he returned, the people joyfully welcomed him back. In extreme old age he received Saint Alexander as his coadjutor, the first recorded case of its kind. Eusebius says he lived to about 116 and died around 216.

The Roman Martyrology honors him on October 29. On the same date the city of Girona, in Catalonia, celebrates a different saint, its patron Saint Narcissus of Girona, with the Fires de Sant Narcís, a great autumn fair.

In Spain and Latin America people named Narciso celebrate their name day today.