St. Crescent
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The Story of St. Crescent
Saint Crescent was 9 years old when he was martyred in Rome during Emperor Diocletian’s persecution of the Christians, sometime between 284 to 305 C.E. The boy’s body was entombed in the catacombs under the city where it remained until 1838.
Saint Crescent’s body was removed for veneration being entrusted to Father Antonio Rosmini, founder of the Institute of Charity religious order, commonly known as the Rosminians. Father Rosmini placed the relic under the alter in his chapel in Stresa, Italy.
In 1885, Father Joseph Costa, a Rosminian priest, purchased land for the establishment of Corpus Christi Church in Galesburg, Illinois. He asked permission to move the Saint Crescent relic to the new church. He hoped
the relic would help attract followers. His request was granted. Father Costa traveled to Italy in 1887 to personally handle the transportation of Saint Cres-
cent. On the journey home, Father Costa planned to take the boat, Alesia but at the last minute changed his mind. The Alesia was sunk on this voyage.
There were several difficulties along the journey but even though the relic was enclosed in a case made of thin glass, according to a church publication “it traveled through the railroads of Italy, France, England and from New York to Galesburg without the least injury.” The little boy’s body was placed in a glass altar on the north wall of the church. The bones are encased in wax.
Local legend has it that Saint Crescent has protected Galesburg from tornadoes since 1887. No one knows how this legend came about but many in the community believe it is so, and in fact, no tornadoes have struck the city since the saint’s arrival. Saint Crescent’s feast day is August 27, the day the relic arrived in Galesburg.
-Corpus Christi Roman Catholic Church.
Galesburg, IL
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The Crescent Moon in Catholicism
Did you know that there is a long tradition of using the crescent moon in Catholic symbolism? This beautiful stained glass window of Mary is located on St. John’s campus. If you look closely you will notice that Mary is standing on a crescent moon.
The image of Mother Mary standing on a crescent moon has a rich history that is most closely related to Mary’s association with the Woman of the Apocalypse described in Revelation:
“A great sign appeared in the sky, a woman* clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars” (Revelation 12:1)
The most well known representation of Mary as the Woman of the Apocalypse is the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Have you seen that image recently? Can you find the crescent moon?
In the Catholic church, a white crescent moon on a cross can also represent virginity, and in particular, the Virgin Mary, Mother of God. Now that you know, be on the lookout for where else you may notice the crescent moon in Catholic art and imagery– you may be pleasantly surprised!
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