May 12: In the year 304, the Roman Emperor Diocletian ordered hanging on the gallows young Pancras of Rome at 14 years of age.

San Pancras was a young Roman who converted to Christianity and was hanged for his faith. Strangely enough, his name was Greek and means "holding everything."

Saint Pancras martyr by Guercino in 1616.

During the Diocletian persecution against Christians, Pancras was brought before the authorities and required to make a sacrifice to the Roman gods. The Emperor Diocletian was impressed by the young man's determination to resist enforce that order.

Saint Pancras in London

The Emperor promised him wealth and power, but Pancras refused angering Diocletian and therefore ordered his beheading on the Via Aurelia, 12 May 303.