Catholics spend the first two days of November each year celebrating the dead. November 1st is All Saints Day (a holy day of obligation), dedicated to the saints of the Church – all those who have attained heaven. November 2nd is All Souls Day, dedicated to those who have died but not yet reached heaven.
This morning on Facebook, a friend of mine asked his followers “Who is your favorite saint?” and that question has been on my mind all day.
This was an easy answer for me. A few months ago I sarcastically looked up the patron saint of sarcasm… and was not disappointed.
Ladies and Gentleman, I give you St Genesius of Rome.
Genesius was an actor, an actor that often made fun of Christianity/Catholicism in his plays. One day, while performing in a play that mocked Baptism, he had a conversion experience that made him a believer. When he proclaimed his faith on stage (in front of Emperor Diocletian), and refused to renounce his new beliefs, even when threatened with death, he was beheaded, becoming a martyr, having been killed for his faith.
He is the patron saint of actors, clowns, and comedians, as well as other stage performers. He is also, interestingly enough, the patron saint of converts and torture victims.
Beautiful Screamer 