St Tarcisius was a 12 year-old Roman acolyte, who was martyred
for his defence of the Blessed Sacrament, in one of the fierce persecutions of
the third century. He was carrying the Eucharist to those in prison, and was
killed on the way while preventing its profanation. He is one of the patron
saints of altar servers, and his example reminds us of the reverence that we
must have for the Body of Christ when we are serving on the Sanctuary.