| Fabian (January 20th) was one of the most respected and accomplished popes of the early Christian era. What we know of him begins with his election as Bishop of Rome in 236. The account of his election is the earliest on record—and probably the most bizarre. Fabian was a layman who had traveled to Rome for the election of a new pope. At the assembly, a dove suddenly flew over the large crowd and lighted on Fabian’s head. The people took this to be a divine sign, and began to shout repeatedly “He is worthy!” Even though Fabian was a total stranger and not a candidate, he was unanimously elected.
As Bishop, Fabian made much-needed administrative reforms for the growing Church in Rome, re-organizing the congregations and clergy. He established the custom of venerating martyrs at their tombs and provided for the lives of the martyrs to be written so that their heroic witness would not be forgotten. Fabian exercised a wide influence, notably opposing a new heresy in Africa and condemning its proponents. His reign was a peaceful one until Decius became emperor in 249 and ordered a vicious persecution of the Church. Fabian was the first to be arrested and imprisoned. After suffering brutal treatment, he was martyred on Jan. 20, 250, setting a courageous example for the many who faced a tormenting death.
His body was first buried in the papal crypt on the Apian Way, but it was later moved to the Church of San Sebastiano where it was discovered in 1915. The slab that covered his gravesite still exists and shows the words “Fabian . . .bishop . . .martyr.” (St.) Cyprian of Carthage, the other leading Bishop of the day, praised Fabian as “an incomparable man, the glory of whose death corresponds with the holiness of his life.” |
