St. Elmo Martyr and Bishop

St. Elmo, also known as St. Erasmus lived during the fourth century. He was the Bishop of Antioch in Asia Minor. St. Elmo was named as one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers by the Catholic Church. He was a Christian during the persecution by Emperor Diocletian, at which time, St. Elmo hid in the mountains, living a life of fasting, prayer, and penance.

St. Elmo Discovered

St. Elmo was eventually captured in the mountains and brought before a judge of Diocletian. He was ordered to deny his Christianity but he refused, remaining steadfast to his faith.

St. Elmo Tortured

St. Elmo was tortured relentlessly by Diocletian's men:

* Scourged

* Thrown into a cauldron of boiling water, sulfur, and pitch

* Imprisoned and kept in chains to starve at which point, an angel of God appeared to him saying, "Erasmus, follow me! Thou shalt convert a great many." St. Elmo was rescued by God.

St. Elmo Continued to Preach

After being rescued by the Hand of God, St. Elmo travelled the land preaching and converting hundreds of people to Christianity. He performed many miracles and eventually travelled to Italy.
The Emperor of Italy, Maximin, who also persecuted Christians, ordered 300 of St. Elmo's converts to be martyred. St. Elmo was also tortured and imprisoned, once again. An angel freed him.

St. Elmo Died

God spoke to St. Elmo saying, "Erasmus, come now to the Heavenly city and rest in the place which God has prepared for thee with the holy martyrs and prophets. Enjoy now the fruit of thy labor. By thee I was honored in Heaven and on Earth." St. Elmo died on June 2, 308 A.D.

St. Elmo Prayers

St. Elmo, patron saint of sailors and stomach and intestinal disorders is often prayed to for safety on the seas and help with stomach ailments. Many Catholics wear a St. Elmo medal or a St. Elmo pendant asking for the saint's intercession on their behalf.
Prayer in Honor of St. Elmo

O GOD, grant us through the intercession of Thy dauntless bishop and Martyr Elmo, who so valiantly confessed the Faith, that we may learn the doctrine of this faith, practice its precepts, and thereby be made worthy to attain its promises. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Invocation of St. Elmo

HOLY Martyr Elmo, who didst willingly and bravely bear the trials and sufferings of life,
and by thy charity didst console many fellow sufferers; I implore thee to remember me in my needs and to intercede for me with God. Staunch confessor of the Faith, victorious vanquisher of all tortures, pray Jesus for me and ask Him to grant me the grace to live and die in the Faith through which thou didst obtain the crown of glory. Amen.