Saint Telesphorus
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| Saint Telesphorus | |
| Feast Day | January 05 (Western); February 22 (Eastern) |
|---|---|
| Liturgical Class | |
| Patronage | |
| Birthplace | Terranova da Sibari, Calabria, Roman Empire (tradition) |
| Death Place | Rome, Roman Empire |
| Cause of Death | martyrdom (tradition) |
| Primary Shrine | St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City |
Pope Saint Telesphorus (died c. 136–138 AD) was, according to ancient Christian tradition, the eighth bishop of Rome after Saint Peter, Saint Linus, Saint Anacletus, Saint Clement I, Saint Evaristus, Saint Alexander I, and Saint Sixtus I, thus the eighth 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 eleven years (c. 125–136 or 126–137 AD).[2]
Historical evidence for Telesphorus is extremely limited. Irenaeus is the first to call him a “glorious martyr,” but no contemporary account of martyrdom survives. The Liber Pontificalis (6th century) claims he was a Greek anchorite from Terranova da Sibari, instituted the Gloria in excelsis at Mass, ordered a seven-week Lent, and decreed midnight Mass at Christmas—details now regarded as later legendary accretions.[3] Earlier sources provide only his name, succession, and approximate dates. As an ancient pope, his veneration began in the early Church without formal canonization processes; his feast is 5 January in the Roman Calendar and 22 February in the Eastern tradition.
Biography
Birth
No reliable historical data exist concerning the birth of Saint Telesphorus. The Liber Pontificalis claims he was a Greek from Terranova da Sibari in Calabria, but this information cannot be verified and is considered legendary.[4]
Early Life
No information survives regarding Telesphorus’ life before his episcopacy.
Occupation
According to the earliest catalogues, Telesphorus succeeded Saint Sixtus I as bishop of Rome around AD 125–126 and led the Church for approximately eleven years until c. 136–138.[5]
Vocation
Telesphorus’ vocation was that of bishop of Rome during the reign of Hadrian, a relatively peaceful period for the Church.
Death
Saint Telesphorus died in Rome, with tradition dating his death to c. 136–138 AD. Irenaeus (c. 180) is the first to call him a martyr, but no contemporary evidence confirms martyrdom.[6]
Saint Telesphorus met his end through martyrdom, according to tradition originating with Saint Irenaeus.
Significant events
- Succeeded Saint Sixtus I as bishop of Rome (c. 125–136 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 Telesphorus 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 Telesphorus.
Patronage
No specific patronage is attributed to Saint Telesphorus.
Feast day
January 05
Veneration
Saint Telesphorus is venerated as the eighth pope with a memorial on 5 January. His name is included in the Roman Canon.
External links
References
- ↑ "Pope St. Telesphorus". New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/14483a.htm.
- ↑ "Saint Telesphorus". Holy See. https://www.vatican.va/content/vatican/en/roman_curia/pontifical_committees/archeology/documents/rc_comm_archeo_02001010_telesforo_en.html.
- ↑ "St. Telesphorus". Catholic Online. https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=41.
- ↑ "Pope St. Telesphorus". New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/14483a.htm.
- ↑ "Saint Telesphorus". Holy See. https://www.vatican.va/content/vatican/en/roman_curia/pontifical_committees/archeology/documents/rc_comm_archeo_02001010_telesforo_en.html.
- ↑ "Saint Telesphorus". Catholic Saints.Info. https://www.catholic.org/saints.info/saint-telesphorus/.