St. Pelagius

Feast Day: June 26
Born: (around) 912 :: Died: 925

This boy martyr of Spain lived in the days when the Moors who were Muslims ruled part of his homeland. The Moors were fighting the Spanish Christians. Pelagius was only ten when his uncle had to leave him as a hostage with the Moors in the city of Cordova. They would not set him free until his uncle sent what the Moors demanded.

Three years later the young Christian Pelagius still remained a prisoner. By this time, he was a handsome, lively boy of thirteen. Although many of his fellow prisoners were men who had formed evil habits, Pelagius would not follow their example. He had a strong will and knew how to keep himself good.

The ruler of the Moors heard good reports about Pelagius and sent for the boy. Pelagius was handsome and well-behaved. The ruler felt generous and wanted to get him out of prison. After all, he was only a boy.

He offered Pelagius his freedom, plus fine clothes to wear, beautiful horses and money. All this, only if he would give up his faith and become a Muslim like them.

"All those things you named mean nothing to me," answered the boy firmly. "I have been a Christian. I am a Christian now. I shall continue to be a Christian." The ruler was surprised. Now instead of promises he threatened Pelagius, but this had no effect.

Thirteen-year-old Pelagius was killed for his faith in Jesus and died a martyr in the year 925.