St. Fabian

Memorial
    20 January

Profile
    Layman. Farmer. He came into Rome on a day when a new pope was to be elected. A dove flew in and settled on his head; the gathered clergy and laity took this as a sign that Fabian had been anointed, and he was chosen Pope by acclamation.

    Sent Saint Dionysius and other missionaries to Gaul. Condemned the heresies of Privatus. Martyred in the persecutions of Decius.

Papal Ascension
    236

Died
    martyred c.250
    his relics are long gone, but the stone that covered his grave is still in the catacombs of Saint Callistus, Rome, Italy

Canonized
    Pre-Congregation