St. Longinus was born in the 1st century. He was alive when Jesus was being crucified. He actually witnessed it! He is the patron saint of Mantua. He is a very well known saint. His feast day is on the 16th of October. St.Longinus and the two other soldiers, who had stood with him at the foot of the cross, were taken to Jerusalem and beheaded, and his centurion's destiny as a martyr for Jesus was fulfilled.