Saint Who?
Saints Who Were Scientists
Saint Pantaleon
Martyr († c. 305) Feast: July 27
Born in the days of Roman persecution, Pantaleon is said to have been the child of a pagan father and a Christian mother. He slipped away from his faith as he advanced in his medical career. Appointed court physician to the Emperor Galerius Maximianus, he lost his faith amid the worldliness of his surroundings.
But a faithful Christian, Hermolaus, succeeded in reawakening his conscience: “But, my friend, of what use are all your acquirements in this art, since you are ignorant of the science of salvation?” Pantaleon repented fully. He became eager for martyrdom, longing to give his life in love for Christ and penance for his sin. When the Diocletian persecutions broke out, he gave away his possessions to the poor and prepared for death.
He was arrested with some companions, including Hermolaus. It is said that Diocletian wanted to spare him, and his death was delayed by a day. But Pantaleon persevered, winning the martyr’s crown. Although the details of his story come from later sources, devotion to him has a long history. For centuries he has been honored as a patron of physicians, second only to Saint Luke.
Heavenly Father, through the prayers of Saint Pantaleon, teach us the “science of salvation.”
