"The Christian Martyr's Last Prayer" by Jean-Léon Gérôme History Shortly after Jesus returned to heaven, the Church grew rapidly. People were excited about Jesus and the salvation that He gave us by dying on the Cross and then rising again. But the Emperor of Rome, Nero, was not happy with Christians. In the year 64, his hatred of Christians grew, and he had them arrested, tortured and killed. Many Christians were martyred in Rome that year. Activity In honor of these saints who shed their blood for Jesus, wear something red today. If somebody asks you why your whole family is wearing red, try to be brave like the First Martyrs and tell them you’re wearing red to honor the saints who died because they were Christians. Holy martyrs of Rome, pray for us! More reading for parents: Catholic Online American Catholic