Old Stuff

Memorial of Fabian, Pope and Martyr

Second Reading from the Office of Readings of the Liturgy of the Hours for January 20, Optional Memorial of Fabian, pope and martyr

Saint Fabian was elected bishop of the Church of Rome in 236. In 250, at the beginning of the persecution of Decius, he won the crown of martyrdom, as Cyprian bears witness. He was buried in the cemetery of Saint Callixtus.

From a letter about the death of Saint Fabian, pope, by Saint Cyprian and the Roman Church

(Ep. 9, 1 et 8, 2-3: CSEL 3, 488-489. 487-488)

Fabian offers us a model of courage

Informed of the death of Pope Fabian, Saint Cyprian sent this letter to the priests and deacons of Rome:

"My dear brothers, while the news of the death of my good colleague was still uncertain, and opinions were divided, I received your letter delivered through the courtesy of the subdeacon Crementius, in which I was most fully informed of Fabian's glorious death. I was quite happy that his virtuous demise corresponded with the integrity of his administration. Hence I too offer you congratulations that you honor his memory with so striking and praiseworthy a testimony. Through you we can see quite clearly what an honor for you is the glorious heritage of one who was your superior, and what an example of faith and courage it offers us. For just as the defection of a superior has such a harmful effect on the stability of those who follow him, so contrariwise it is helpful and encouraging when a bishop offers himself as a model for his brothers by the constancy of his faith."

Apparently before Cyprian received this letter, the Church of Rome had given the community at Carthage testimony of its loyalty in time of persecution.

"Our church stands firmly in the faith, although some have lapsed because they fear the loss of their outstanding positions or other personal sufferings. Although these have separated from us, we have not given them up; in the past we have urged them and now we continue to encourage them to do penance, in the hope that they may receive pardon from him who can give it; whereas if they were abandoned by us, they might become worse.

"And so you see, brothers, you should act in the same manner; in this way those who have lapsed, having changed their attitude because of your encouragement, might admit their Christianity if ever they are arrested again. Yet you do have other responsibilities, and we hereby make suggestions. If any of those who have fallen into this temptation should become ill and, after doing penance, should desire to receive communion, they should certainly be assisted. Widows, the destitute who cannot support themselves, and those who are in prison or who have been evicted from their homes should surely have someone to help them; likewise catechumens who are ill ought not to be disappointed in receiving assistance.

"Your brothers who are in chains send you their greetings, and also the priests, and the entire Church which lies awake in great anxiety to pray for all those who invoke the name of the Lord. And so we ask you in turn to remember us."

Responsory: Philippians 1:23; 3:18; 1:21; 2:17

I desire to leave this world and to be with Christ; I consider
all that this world offers worthless, if only I can gain union
with Christ.
--Life for me means Christ; death is as a prize to be won.

Even if I am to be poured out as a libation on the sacrificial
offering of your faith, I rejoice and wish to share my happiness
with you.
--Life for me means Christ; death is as a prize to be won.

Prayer

God our Father, glory of your priests,
may the prayers of your martyr Fabian
help us to share his faith
and offer you loving service.

Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.

Let us praise the Lord.
--And give him thanks.

Posted by billw at January 20, 2003 06:20 AM