The Miraculous Healing of Saint Longinus

Fr. Scott Haynes

According to Christian tradition, Longinus was nearly blind at the time of the Crucifixion. When he pierced Jesus' side with a spear, as recounted in the Gospel of John (John 19:34), blood and water flowed out. Some accounts suggest that this mixture fell upon Longinus's eyes, restoring his sight. This miraculous healing led him to proclaim, "Indeed, this was the Son of God!" (Mark 15:39). This moment marked his conversion to Christianity.

Preaching the Gospel and Monastic Life

After his conversion, Longinus left the Roman army and sought instruction from the apostles. He eventually became a monk in Cappadocia, dedicating his life to preaching the Gospel. His teachings and example led many to embrace Christianity. Longinus's commitment to his faith and his role in spreading Christianity in the region are central themes in his hagiography.

Persecution and Martyrdom

Longinus's evangelistic efforts attracted the attention of Roman authorities. He was arrested and brought before the governor, who demanded that he renounce his faith and offer sacrifices to pagan idols. Upon his refusal, Longinus endured severe torture. The soldiers plucked out his eyes. Nonetheless, he went around with a blindfold around his eyes preaching the Gospel boldly. When he was brought back once again before the authorites, his teeth were knocked out, and his tongue was cut off. Miraculously, he continued to speak clearly, denouncing idolatry and affirming his faith. In a dramatic act of defiance, Longinus destroyed several idols, leading to further punishment. Eventually, he was beheaded for his unwavering commitment to Christianity.

The Scene of Destroying the Idol

One of the most vivid episodes in Longinus's legend involves his confrontation with pagan idols. After enduring torture, including the removal of his teeth and tongue, Longinus miraculously retained the ability to speak. In a bold act, he seized an axe and destroyed the idols present, declaring, "Now may we see if they be very gods or not." Following this act, demons were said to have emerged from the shattered idols, entering the bodies of the governor and his attendants, causing them to behave like wild beasts. This event led to the exorcism of the demons and the conversion of many witnesses to Christianity.(Christian Classics Ethereal Library, Project MUSE)

Legacy and Veneration

Longinus's story has been celebrated in various Christian traditions. He is venerated as a martyr in the Roman Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox Church, and the Armenian Apostolic Church. His feast day is observed on March 15 in the Roman Catholic tradition and on October 16 in the Eastern Orthodox Church. Longinus is considered the patron saint of the blind and those with poor eyesight, reflecting the legend of his miraculous healing.

Artistic representations of Longinus often depict him in military attire, holding a lance. One of the most notable sculptures is Gian Lorenzo Bernini's statue of Saint Longinus, located in St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. This Baroque masterpiece captures the moment of Longinus's spiritual awakening, emphasizing his transformation from a Roman soldier to a Christian martyr.

Footnotes

1. "Golden Legend: Life of Saint Longinus," Christian Iconography, accessed May 2, 2025, https://www.christianiconography.info/goldenLegend/longinus.htm.

2. "St. Longinus," uCatholic, accessed May 2, 2025, https://ucatholic.com/saints/saint-longinus/.

3. "St. Longinus," FaithND, accessed May 2, 2025, https://faith.nd.edu/saint/st-longinus/.

4. "St. Longinus Statue," St. Peter's Basilica, accessed May 2, 2025, https://stpetersbasilica.info/Statues/StLonginus/StLonginus.htm.