Saint Cornelius the Centurion commemorated by the Church

On September 13, the Church commemorates Saint Cornelius the Centurion, recognized as the first Gentile to convert to Christianity. A Roman centurion from a noble family in Caesarea Maritima, Cornelius was baptized by the Apostle Peter.

According to religious tradition, Cornelius was a pious man who practiced charity and prayer. His conversion was prompted by a divine vision involving an angel, which led him to seek out the Apostle Peter. Following his baptism, he was later ordained as a bishop and eventually met a martyr's end near Troas.