This Saint was the fifth Pope of the Catholic Church to receive, like his predecessors, the crown of martyrdom.
Newsroom (27/10/2022 20:00, Gaudium Press) October 26th, the church celebrates an early Christian, St. Evaristus who was Greek-Jew by birth. Evaristus was educated by his father in Jewish doctrine and principles, manifesting from early childhood, good dispositions for virtue and letters. Converted to Christianity, he became a priest and went to Rome, where he stood out for his holiness.
Known for kindling fervor and devotion in the hearts of the faithful, by his examples of virtue and Christian charity, Saint Evaristus was chosen to succeed Saint Clement on the pontifical throne. Despite his resistance to assuming the position of head of the Catholic Church, he was eventually consecrated Pope in the year 101.
Fight against heresy
After becoming Supreme Pontiff at a time when heresy tried to invade the sacred territory of holy doctrine, he strove to remedy the needs of Holy Church. At this time, the church was still suffering great persecution. The spirit of darkness used every artifice to spill the poison of its errors among the faithful. However, Saint Evaristus managed to preserve the purity of the Faith among the faithful in Rome.
In addition to fighting heresy, he also worked to improve ecclesiastical discipline, through rules and decrees, including the division of Rome into parishes, which were entrusted to priests. Through a decree, the Supreme Pontiff also defined that the sacrament of marriage was to be celebrated publicly by a priest.
Martyrdom of Saint Evaristus
Churches at that time were oratories in private homes, where Christians congregated to hear the Word of God and to attend the celebration of the divine mysteries. Crosses were affixed on the doors of these oratories as a way to differentiate them from profane public places, which were distinguished by statues of emperors.
His indefatigable zeal and admirable apostolic work caused the number of the faithful to grow vigorously, which caused great dissatisfaction among the enemies of Christ. As a way to prevent this growth, the pagans decided to imprison Saint Evertius. After a trial, he was sentenced to death for being a leader of the Christians. His martyrdom took place on October 26, 107.
Prayer to Saint Evaristus
O God, who granted Pope Saint Evaristo the grace of the Roman Magisterium, grant that through his intercession we may always be faithful to the pope and to the bishops united to him. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. (EPC)
Compiled by Camille Mittermeier.
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