Our Patron Saint

Pope Saint Callixtus I or Callistus I was the first of three popes with the name of Callistus. Callistus I is the only one who is recognized as a saint in the Roman Catholic Church.

He was a Christian slave of Carpophorus of the imperial Roman household. His master entrusted him with a large sum of money to open a bank. This bank made several loans to people who refused to pay the money back and so it went bankrupt. Knowing that he would be personally blamed and punished Callistus fled from Rome. He was eventually caught, returned to his master and sentenced to work in the tin mines. By a quirk of Roman law, the ownership of Callistus was transferred from this master to the Roman state. He and a number of other Christians were ransomed out of their sentences and he became a free man. He was granted a small monthly allowance and ordered to live out his life in Antium.

Many years later Callistus was recalled back to Rome by Pope Saint Zephyrinus. He was put in charge of the clergy and the Roman public burial ground along the Appian Way, which is still called the Cemetery of Saint Callistus today. Pope Zephyrinus ordained Callistus as a deacon and made him his friend and advisor. After the death of Pope Zephyrinus, Callistus was elected pope around 218. He reigned as Pope for a short period of about three years. He died a martyr’s death around 223.

He is the earliest pope in written records to have died a martyr’s death, recorded on October 14. He is also the first pope other than Peter to be commemorated as a martyr in the Martyrology of the Church. Legend has it that he was killed by being thrown down a well with a millstone around his neck. Another story says that he was martyred during a local riot in Rome. However, there is no solid evidence of either story.

Most of what we know of Pope Callistus I came from his bitter enemies. The stories of his life and life’s work were told by someone who hated him and what he stood for an author known as St. Hippolytus; who was also his opponent for the chair of Peter. He was attacked by Hippolytus for his. However, in the end Pope Saint Callistus I was know for doctrine and discipline; the mercy that he showed to those who were repentant sinners, allowing them back into communion of the Church only after they had performed public penances. His mercy also matched his desire for equality among Church members, evident by his acceptances of marriages between free people and slaves.

Many believe that even though there is little know facts about him, Pope Saint Callistus I may rank among the greatest of popes.

Saint Callistus I is the patron saint of cemetery workers.

The Feast of St. Callistus is observed on October 14th.