Pope Saint Alexander I

Also known as

• Alessandro I

Memorial

• 3 May

Profile

Roman citizen. Pope in the reign of Emperor Trajan. Baptized Saint Balbina of Rome. He inserted in the Canon of the Mass the words commemorative of the institution of the Eucharist beginning “Qui pridie”. Introduced the use of blessing water mixed with salt for the purification of Christian homes from evil influences. Martyr. While in prison awaiting execution, he converted the criminals who became the Martyrs of Ostia.

Born

• probably Rome, Italy

Papal Ascension

• between 106 and 109 (sources vary)

Died

• burned and beheaded 3 May between 113 and 119 (sources vary on the year) on the Via Nomentana in Rome, Italy
• relics transferred to Freising in Bavaria in 834

Canonized

• Pre-Congregation

Representation

• man with his chest pierced with nails or spikes

Additional Information

• Book of Saints, by the Monks of Ramsgate
• Heiligen Lexikon
• Kirken i Norge
• Lives of the Saints, by Father Alban Butler
• New Catholic Dictionary
• Our Sunday Visitor’s Encyclopedia of Saints
• Roman Martyrology

MLA Citation

• “Pope Saint Alexander I“. Saints.SQPN.com. 13 May 2013. Web. 25 May 2013. <>