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St. Fabian
b. ? d. 250
Feastday: January 20
Eusebius, born just a few years after Fabian's death, tells us
how Fabian came to Rome after Pope Anteros died in 236. A layperson,
and not a very important one, he may have come for the same reason
many still come to Rome today during a papal election: concern for
the future of the faith, curiosity about the new pope, a desire
to grieve for the pope who had passed. Seeing all the important
people gathered to make this momentous decision must have been overwhelming.
Which one would be the new pope? Someone known for power? Someone
known for eloquence? Someone known for courage?
Suddenly during the discussion, a dove descended from the ceiling.
But it didn't settle on "someone known" for anything at all. The
dove, according to Eusebius, "settled on [Fabian's] head as clear
imitation of the descent of the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove
upon the Savior." There must have been something of the Holy Spirit
working because everyone suddenly proclaimed Fabian as "worthy"
to be pope and this stranger was elected.
To us the dove signifies peace, and this dove was prophetic. Starting
close to Fabian's election, the suffering and persecuted Church
began a time of peace. The emperor, Philip, was friendly to Christians
and not only was the persecution stopped but Christians experienced
acceptance.
In this era of peace, Fabian was able to build up the structure
of the Church of Rome, appointing seven deacons and helping to collect
the acts of the martyrs.
But, in a timeless story, the people who had always been in power
were not happy to see the newcomers growing and thriving. There
were many incidents of pagans attacking Christians and when Philip
died so died the time of peace. The new emperor, Decius, ordered
all Christians to deny Christ by offering incense to idols or through
some other pagan ritual.
In the few years of peace, the Church had grown soft. Many didn't
have the courage to stand up to martyrdom. But Fabian, singled out
by symbol of peace, stood as a courageous example for everyone in
his flock. He died a martyr in 250 and is buried in the Cemetery
of Calixtus that he helped rebuild and beautify. A stone slab with
his name can still be found there.
In His Footsteps:
Pray for all places where the Church suffers persecution and for
all who face death, danger, or isolation for their faith. But pray
especially for all who live where the Church is accepted and thrives
in peace that this peace will not make their faith flabby and weak.
Prayer:
Pope Saint Fabian, it's so easy to believe that peace means
a life without conflict or suffering. Help us to see that the only
true peace is the peace Christ brings. Never let us as a Church
or as individual Christians choose to deny our beliefs simply to
avoid an unpleasant situation. Amen
©1996 Terry Matz. All Rights Reserved.
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