A martyr is to be considered someone who is bigger than themselves in the sense that they are one with their religion. Their devotion to the lifestyle that comes with being considered a martyr is none like no other. In the ideologies that deal with Christianity and Catholicism religious figures take their beliefs until they fulfill their journey with God. The idea of advocating for what you believe in has influenced the minds of individuals for centuries and in some cases we see it in our lives today. Religiously, individuals who follow in the footsteps of Martyrdom are given the highest honors and respected gratefully for their acts and courage to literally die for what they believe in. It is truly right and just to say that these individuals are selfless inspirations to their religion and its followers who pursue the same beliefs. In Saint Augustine’s novel Confessions, we learn about the significant influences that martyrdom had on the people of Milan through an interesting tale and phenomenon told by Augustine himself. 

A bishop by the name of Ambrose was an influential leader for the people of Milan. The people asked him to create a basilica, or a large building that was for communal gatherings and based off Roman architecture. He did create one and called it the Ambrosian Basilica. But he told the people that he needed relics to place in the basilica. Through a vision Ambrose had he had envisioned the relics and their location. He sends the townspeople to excavate the two graves of Gervasius and Protasius who were two martyrs who resided in Milan. The discovery of these two martyrs by Ambrose was considered to be a true miracle. One man even found a life changing jubilation when he gained his vision back. “When he arrived, he begged admission so that he might touch with his cloth the bier on which lay your saints whose ‘death is precious in your sight; When he did this and applied the cloth to his eyes, immediately they were opened.” (165.15) From that point, the news around town spread and as a result the idea of Martyrdom had heavily influenced the people of Milan. This story had served as an inspiration and a sign for the people to view religion at the highest means and as a result the spread of Martyrdom grew tremendously along with people’s higher thinking. 

During this time period, we also learn about Justina also known as the mother of the emperor Valentinian. Justina clearly opposed the Christians and their views by stating how the son of God was lesser than God himself. Having Arian views, this caused a clash between Justina and Bishop Ambrose. With her power we learn that religion is persecuted in Milan. But thanks to Ambrose’s visions and findings of the martyrs Gervasius and Protasisus the people gained their hope of having a purified and free will based religion. As a result this forced Justina out of power and the town of Milan was at ease. I believe that this event in relation to the process of Augustine’s conversion to Christanity played a significant role in the overall outcome of his religious beliefs. Like everyone else in Milan, Ambrose’s discovery was life changing to the people at the time. During a time where Augustine was confused about who he was in terms of religion, this event in his life was very crucial to his religious thinking. In book nine, Augustine receives his baptism along with Alypius and his son Adeodatus. 

In conclusion, the martyr-saints played an important role in the lives of many people including Saint Augustine’s. The dedication for the religion and the sacrifices that martyrs induce are ones like no other. During the time of Bishop Ambrose, the people looking in on Martyrdom from the outside were tremendously influenced by the idea that if you dedicate yourself to God till the end of time, and even then during the afterlife in heaven, then you will be granted with good fortunes such as the one as the blind man who regained his vision. I believe that people tend to forget that the spread of Christianity probably wouldn’t be as influential if it weren’t for these martyrs-saints. Gervasiusi and Protasisus themselves stood out as the most important and noble figures during their time and their impact on religious seekers is indisputably one of the most remarkable events ever in Christianity. This story has had its marks on everyone including the people who seek religion today because there are for sure individuals who follow the code of Martyrdom and are willing to do anything for God.