Nazarius and Celsus

Who they were

The only historical record of Nazarius and Celsus is the finding of their bodies by St Ambrose in the last years of his life, after 395. His biographer Paulinus says Ambrose found in a garden outside Milan the body of Nazarius, beheaded and still stained with blood, and had it carried to the Basilica of the Apostles; he found Celsus in the same garden and moved him too. Later legends place their martyrdom under Nero.

The miracles

There was never a formal cause: they have been honoured as martyrs since St Ambrose's time.

Why that counted as sanctity

Nazarius and Celsus are honoured as martyrs of Milan whose memory St Ambrose restored to the Church.

Connected on this site

• Celso of Milan Saint one of this group
• Nazarius Saint one of this group