Pope Saint Fabian

Memorial: 20 January
Profile: 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.
Papal Ascension: 236
Died: martyred c.250
his relics are long gone, but the stone that covered his grave is still in the catacombs of Saint Callistus, Rome, Italy
Canonized: Pre-Congregation
Representation: dove
Additional Information: Book of Saints, by the Monks of Ramsgate
Catholic Online
New Catholic Dictionary
Our Sunday Visitor's Encyclopedia of Saints, by Matthew Bunson, Margaret Bunson, and Stephen Bunson
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