St. Evaristus
Feast Day: October 26
Born: (around) 45 :: Died: 107
St. Evaristus was born in Greece. His parents were Hellenic Jews of Bethlehem and he was brought up in the Jewish religion. His father was so pleased with his son's virtue and knowledge that he sent him to the best teachers. But when Evaristus grew older he learnt to love the Christian faith and soon became a Christian. So great was his love for his new faith that he decided to become a priest. At Rome, where he carried out his priestly duties, everyone grew to admire and love him. So when the pope was killed, Evaristus was chosen to take his place. He felt he was not worthy to become pope, but God knew better. These were times when non-believers were attacking the Church. Such bad lies were spread about the Catholic faith that the Romans went about looking for Christians and put them to death. Every pope was almost certain of being arrested. For about eight years, Pope St. Evaristus ruled the Church. His enthusiasm was so great that the number of believers grew larger every day. But at last, he was captured. The jailers were amazed to see the joy on the holy old man's face as he was taken to prison. St. Evaristus thought he was very lucky to be able to suffer and die for Jesus. And he felt that dying, as a martyr for Jesus was the best gift he could be given. Pope St. Evaristus died in 107. |