Claudius

Saint Claudius of Ostia is venerated as patron of Ostia, the port city near Rome. His commemoration is on 7 July. The reports about his life are limited and come mainly from the Roman Martyrology.

According to tradition he lived in the time of the emperor Diocletian (284-305). He was at first not a Christian; he converted under the influence of his brother, Maximus. His wife, Prepedigna, and his sons Alexander and Cuzia also embraced the Christian faith. The family devoted itself to prayer, works of mercy and help for the needy, distributing their goods to the poor. It is said that Diocletian wished a marriage between his son Maximian and Susanna, the niece of Claudius. Claudius opposed it firmly because of his faith, rousing the emperor's wrath. As a result Claudius and his family were arrested, exiled to Ostia and condemned to martyrdom: they were burned alive, and their ashes were scattered in the sea. His veneration is especially lively at Ostia, where each year on 7 July a Liturgy is served in his honor at the church of Santa Maria Regina Pacis.