March 31 + Saint Benjamin

Little is known about Benjamin’s early life, as he lived in the 4th century AD. However, it is believed that he was born into a wealthy family in Persia and lived a life of luxury and comfort. Despite his privileged upbringing, Benjamin felt a deep sense of emptiness and longing.

Benjamin was drawn to the message of salvation and the love that was at the heart of the Catholic faith. Benjamin was baptized, became a devoted follower of Christ and eventually became a deacon.

The Christians in Persia enjoyed 12 years of peace during the reign of Isdegerd when in 420 it was disrupted by the zeal of Abdas, a Christian Bishop who burned the Temple of Fire, a sanctuary of the Persians. King Isdegerd threatened to destroy all the churches of the Christians unless the Bishop rebuilt the Temple.

As Abdas refused to comply, the threat was executed; the Churches were demolished, Abdas himself was put to death, and a general persecution began which lasted forty years. Isdegerd died in 421, but his son and successor, Varanes, carried on the persecution with great fury. The Christians were submitted to the most cruel tortures.

Benjamin was among those who suffered and was imprisoned for a year for his faith. At the end of this period, an ambassador of the Emperor of Constantinople obtained his release under the condition that Benjamin would never speak of his faith again.

Benjamin, however, declared it was his duty to preach about Christ and that he could not be silent. Although he had been liberated on the agreement made with the ambassador and the Persian authorities, he would not accept it, and neglected no opportunity of preaching.

He was again apprehended and brought before the king. The tyrant ordered that reeds should be thrust in between his nails and his flesh and into all the tenderest parts of his body and then withdrawn. After this torture had been repeated several times, a knotted stake was inserted into his bowels to rend and tear him. The martyr expired in the most terrible agony.

Benjamin showed Christians that no matter the pain endured, they must always proclaim their Faith.