Saint Hyginus
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| Saint Hyginus | |
| Feast Day | January 11 |
|---|---|
| Liturgical Class | |
| Patronage | |
| Birthplace | Athens, Achaea, Roman Empire (tradition) |
| Death Place | Rome, Roman Empire |
| Cause of Death | martyrdom (tradition) |
| Primary Shrine | St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City |
Pope Saint Hyginus (died c. 140–142 AD) was, according to ancient Christian tradition, the ninth bishop of Rome after Saint Peter, Saint Linus, Saint Anacletus, Saint Clement I, Saint Evaristus, Saint Alexander I, Saint Sixtus I, and Saint Telesphorus, thus the ninth pope.[1] He appears in the earliest papal catalogues of Irenaeus of Lyons (c. 180) and Eusebius of Caesarea (c. 324), which assign him a pontificate of approximately four years (c. 136–140 or 138–142 AD).[2]
Historical evidence for Hyginus is extremely limited. The Liber Pontificalis (6th century) states he was a Greek philosopher from Athens, ordained several priests, and fought against the Gnostic heretics Valentinus and Cerdo—details now regarded as later fabrications.[3] Earlier sources provide only his name and the length of his pontificate. Tradition holds that he suffered martyrdom and was buried near Saint Peter on the Vatican Hill, though no contemporary evidence confirms this. As an ancient pope, his veneration began in the early Church without formal canonization processes; his feast is 11 January in the Roman Calendar.
Biography
Birth
No reliable historical data exist concerning the birth of Saint Hyginus. The Liber Pontificalis claims he was a Greek philosopher from Athens, but this information cannot be verified and is considered legendary.[4]
Early Life
No information survives regarding Hyginus’ life before his episcopacy.
Occupation
According to the earliest catalogues, Hyginus succeeded Saint Telesphorus as bishop of Rome around AD 136–138 and led the Church for approximately four years until c. 140–142.[5]
Vocation
Hyginus’ vocation was that of bishop of Rome during the reign of Antoninus Pius, a relatively peaceful period for the Church.
Death
Saint Hyginus died in Rome, with tradition dating his death to c. 140–142 AD. The Roman Martyrology describes him as a martyr buried near Saint Peter on the Vatican Hill, though no contemporary evidence supports martyrdom.[6]
Saint Hyginus met his end through martyrdom, according to long-standing tradition.
Significant events
- Succeeded Saint Telesphorus as bishop of Rome (c. 136–142 AD), according to the earliest papal lists.
Significant locations
Legend
Birth location: None
Death location: Rome, Roman Empire
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Parishes
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Shrines
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Canonization
As an ancient bishop of Rome, Saint Hyginus was venerated from the earliest centuries without formal canonization processes. His name appears in the Roman Canon (Eucharistic Prayer I) and the Roman Martyrology.
Miracles
No authenticated miracles are recorded for Saint Hyginus.
Patronage
No specific patronage is attributed to Saint Hyginus.
Feast day
January 11
Veneration
Saint Hyginus is venerated as the ninth pope with a memorial on 11 January. His name is included in the Roman Canon.
External links
References
- ↑ "Pope St. Hyginus". New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07591b.htm.
- ↑ "Saint Hyginus". Holy See. https://www.vatican.va/content/vatican/en/roman_curia/pontifical_committees/archeology/documents/rc_comm_archeo_02001010_igino_en.html.
- ↑ "St. Hyginus". Catholic Online. https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=42.
- ↑ "Pope St. Hyginus". New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07591b.htm.
- ↑ "Saint Hyginus". Holy See. https://www.vatican.va/content/vatican/en/roman_curia/pontifical_committees/archeology/documents/rc_comm_archeo_02001010_igino_en.html.
- ↑ "St. Hyginus". Catholic Online. https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=42.