St Fabian ( 200-250) was appointed Pope in 236.
Eusebius of Caesarea wrote that during the conclave to appoint the new Pope, a dove, “Settled on [Fabian’s] head as a clear imitation of the descent of the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove upon the Saviour,” and he was proclaimed worthy to be Pope.
Although St Fabian initially found favour with the then Roman ruler and years of peace and growth followed, it ended when Emperor Decius was appointed and insisted that Christians demonstrate their loyalty to Rome by offering incense to their Gods. This was viewed as idolatry and Pope St Fabian resolutely refused, so dying a martyr’s death for his faith.
St Fabian was buried in the catacomb of Callixtus, Rome. His Feast Day is 20th January, the day of his death.
St Sebastian ( 256-283) was an early Christian martyr during Emperor Diocletian’s time. He was a Christian soldier in the Praetorian Guard whose role was to protect Diocletian. When he was found to be converting others to Christianity, Diocletian ordered his execution by tying him to a tree and using him as a shooting target for soldiers. St Sebastian survived, despite his body being riddled with arrows, and was nursed back to health by Irene of Rome. However, when he confronted Diocletian personally, to warn him of his sins, Diocletian had him clubbed to death.
His Feast Day is 20th January, the day of his death. St Sebastian is Patron Saint of Soldiers and Athletes.
St Fabian & Sebastian:
Pray for us that we will remain firm in our faith and share it with others.
Glory be to the…
