Tarcisius, one of the patron saints of altar boys, has always been an example of youthful courage and devotion. He may have been a deacon, as Damasus compares him to Stephen. In the Passion of Pope Stephen, written in the sixth century, Tarcisius is said to be an acolyte of the pope himself.

He was accosted and beaten to death on the Appian Way by a mob while carrying the Eucharist to some Christians in prison during one of the fierce Roman persecutions of the third century, probably during that of Valerian. He suffered death rather "than surrender the Sacred Body to the raging dogs". 

He was buried in the cemetery of St. Callistus, and his relics are claimed by the church of San Silvestro in Capite. 

@Evangelizo