Saint Longinus is traditionally the Roman soldier who pierced Jesus' side with a spear during the crucifixion.

Longinus was a centurion in the Roman army, stationed in Judea. During the crucifixion, he was tasked with ensuring Jesus' death, and he thrust a spear into his side

According to legend, Longinus had an eye condition and was healed when blood and water from the wound splashed into his eyes. This event is often cited as a crucial moment in his conversion

This experience led Longinus to believe that Jesus was the Son of God. He then left the Roman army and became a Christian

Longinus is said to have spent time with the apostles, learning about Christianity, and then lived a monastic life in Cappadocia. He was eventually martyred for his faith when he refused to renounce his belief in Christ and destroyed pagan idols

St. Longinus was called before the governor, ordered to make sacrifice to idols, but stubbornly refused. The governor then had his teeth and tongue cut out. However, upon recovering, still in the torturing presence of the governor, his guard, and the idols, St. Longinus rose, grabbing a near-by ax and shattered the idols, miraculously crying out (despite lacking a tongue), “Now we shall see whether they are gods.” He was then beheaded and martyred.