(d.c.305) Panteleon was a Christian and a lifelong bachelor. He was the physician to Emperor Maximian. Panteleon gave his fortune to the poor and treated them medically without payment. He was put on trial under Emperor Diocletian for being a Christian, during which he cured a paralytic simply by pronouncing the name of Jesus. He was nailed to a tree and beheaded. During the Black Plague (1346-1353), devotion to the “Fourteen Holy Helpers,” saints who had a strong track record for intercession, of which Saint Panteleon was one, became very popular.

Saint Panteleon “relapsed” at one point, abandoning his faith for a worldly life. He felt terrible and came back. Relapse doesn’t need to be part of anyone’s story, but if it is, keep coming back!

“Saint Pantaleon, miraculous exemplar of charity, pray for us…O God, who didst miraculously fortify the Fourteen Holy Helpers in the confession of the Faith; grant us, we beseech Thee, to imitate their fortitude in overcoming all temptations against it, and protect us through their intercession in all dangers of soul and body, so that we may serve Thee in purity of heart and chastity of body. Through Christ our Lord. Amen” (Litany of the Fourteen Holy Helpers).

Reflection by Brad Farmer