Saint Genesius of Rome Plaque

Product Description

This is a beautiful Saint Genesius of Rome Plaque. According to tradition, Saint Genesius of Rome was a comedian and actor who performed in a series of plays that mocked Christianity. While in the middle of performing in a play that ridiculed the Christian sacrament of baptism, he had a profound conversion experience right on stage. He immediately professed his newfound faith to the audience. When the Emperor Diocletian (who was sitting in the audience) commanded him to renounce his Christian faith, Saint Genesius refused to do so. He was arrested immediately and taken off to be tortured and beheaded (go to History/Story tab). Saint Genesius is now regarded as the patron saint of actors, clowns, magicians, illusionists, and comedians.  This plaque is a great gift for a birthday, baptism, confirmation, first communion, Christmas, and the feast day of Saint Genesius on August 25th.

A Large Solid Bronze Plaque

This large solid bronze plaque measures 7.9 by 6.3 inches. The plaque has a notch on the back to ensure easy hanging on any wall in studio, office, home, or study. A world-renowned bronzesmith in Germany designed and cast this solid bronze plaque. This plaque will be a most wonderful gift for that special “Genesius” or special actor (thespian) in your life!

Saint Genesius – Patron Saint of Actors

Saint Genesius is now the patron saint of the British Catholic Stage Guild, magicians, illusionists, and the Catholic Magicians’ Guild. The Shrine of St. Genesius in the Church of Saint Malachy in the Borough of Manhattan serves as a spiritual landmark for New York City’s community of actors and thespians. The Fraternity of St Genesius was recently established to support men and women who work in theater and cinema.

The “Dramatic” Conversion of Saint Genesius

Although the story is pure legend with absolutely no basis in historical fact, it is still makes for great drama! And as they say in show business, “the show must go on!”:

Genesius, the leader of a theatrical troupe in Rome, was performing one day before the Emperor Diocletian.  Desiring to mock and ridicule the Christian sacraments before his audience, Genesius acted as if he was receiving the Sacrament of Baptism. So at the beginning of the play Genesius lay down on the stage pretending to be sick. Two other actors asked him what was wrong. Genesius said he felt a massive weight pressing down on him. Two other actors, one dressed as a priest and the others as an exorcist, were called in. They asked him what he wanted. He replied, “Baptism.” But then he then saw suddenly a vision of angels bearing a massive book inscribed with all the sins of his entire life. The “priest” (still in character) asked him : “My child, why did you send for me?” At this point, Genesius – now himself and completely out of character – cried out that he was actually seeing angels and he asked to be baptized onstage straightaway. The Emperor Diocletian who was sitting in the audience was enraged by his unexpected and “dramatic” conversion and had him turned over to Plautia, prefect of the praetorium to be tortured. But when Genesius persisted in his newfound faith, he was beheaded.

Additional Information