Saint Narcissus of Jerusalem

Saint Narcissus of Jerusalem, of Greek origin, born, tradition holds, in the year ninety-nine. He became Jerusalem's thirtieth bishop at eighty or more.

According to Eusebius, at the Easter Vigil he changed water into oil, so every lamp in the church could burn.

People in his own Christian community accused him of serious wrongs. The charges proved false. He lived in seclusion for several years.

Three bishops governed in his absence. When he returned, the people unanimously asked him to resume his duties.

Too old to carry it alone, he named Alexander his assistant bishop, and kept serving through constant prayer and calls for unity and peace. His answer to injury was forgiveness, and his gift to the Church was peace.