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FEAST OF THE DAY

St. Pontian was ordained bishop of Rome in 231 but was banished
from his diocese to the island of Sardinia four years later by Emperor
Maximinus. While exiled on Sardinia, he resigned his office so a new
pope could be elected. On the island, he was treated harshly working
in the mines and died in the year 235. After his death, his body was
taken back to Rome and buried along the Via Tiburtina.

During his lifetime, St. Hippolytus was an adamant advocate for
orthodoxy. He held back no punches and censured everyone who
did not live up to his standard. He had vocal disagreements with
several popes. Hippolytus is one of the most important theologian
and religious writer from before the age of Constantine. His writings
are the fullest source for information on liturgy and the structure of
the Church in the second and third centuries. In the year 235,
Hippolytus was banished to Sardinia with St. Pontian. He died after
harsh treatment working in mines later that year. After his death, his
body was taken back to Rome and buried along the Via Tiburtina.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

Christ, like a skillful physician, understands the weakness of men. He
loves to teach the ignorant and the erring he turns again to his own
true way. He is easily found by those who live by faith and to those of
pure eye and holy heart, who desire to knock at the door, he opens
immediately. -St. Hyppolytus (Treatise on Christ and Antichrist)

TODAY IN HISTORY

533 Election of Pope John I
587 Death of St. Radegund, Queen of the Franks
622 Death of St. Maximus the Confessor
1173 Death of St. Narses the Gracious

TODAY'S TIDBIT

Pope John I, who was elected on this day in 533, was the first pope
to change his name upon election as bishop of Rome. His given birth
name was Mercury.

INTENTION FOR THE DAY

Please pray for the pope, for his health and for his intentions.