Aquila and Priscilla were husband and wife and disciples of St. Paul. Before moving to Corinth, they were living in Rome, but were forced to leave because of a law that was passed banning Jewish people from living in the city. Legend tells us that they were baptized by St. Peter.
When Paul came to Corinth to preach the Gospel, he stayed in the couple’s house. Not only did they have their faith in Jesus in common, they also made their living in the same profession. The couple and St. Paul were tentmakers.
They traveled with Paul to Ephesus to help him in his ministry. They stayed in Ephesus for three years and once again, Paul was a guest in their home. Their house is believed to have been the “church house” for the Christian community. A church house was the place where the Christian community gathered to pray, and most importantly, to celebrate the Eucharist in Jesus’ memory.
St. Paul had great affection for them. In the Book of Romans, he calls them “my co-workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their necks for my life” (Romans 16:3-4). Paul also mentions them in Acts 18:2; 1 Corinthians 16:19; and 2 Timothy 4:19.
According to tradition, they returned to Rome and opened their home to the Christian community as a church house. It is believed that they were martyred there during one of the persecutions of the Emperor Nero.
We honor Aquila and Priscilla for their faithful service to the Church. Their lives remind us that all Catholics, especially married couples, are called to put their gifts at the service of the community.
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