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Saint Fabian
Martyred 250
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.
martyred c.250
source:
http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/saintf58.htm
Saint Sebastian
Martyred 288
Son of a wealthy Roman family.
Educated in Milan. Officer of the Imperial Roman army, and captain of the
guard. Favorite of Diocletian. During Diocletian's persecution of the
Christians, Sebastian visited them in prison, bringing supplies and
comfort. Reported to have healed the wife of a brother soldier by making
the Sign of the Cross over her. Converted soldiers and a governor.
Charged as a Christian, Sebastian was tied to a tree, shot with arrows,
and left for dead. He survived, recovered, and returned to preach to
Diocletian. The emperor then had him beaten to death.
During the 14th century, the random nature of infection with the Black
Death caused people to liken the plague to their villages being shot by an
army of nature's archers. In desparation they prayed for the intercession
of a saint associated with archers, and Saint Sebastian became associated
with the plague.
martyred c.288 at Rome
source:
http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/saints03.htm |
