Saint Alexander I
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| Saint Alexander I | |
| Feast Day | May 03 |
|---|---|
| Liturgical Class | |
| Patronage | |
| Birthplace | Rome, Roman Empire |
| Death Place | Rome, Roman Empire |
| Cause of Death | martyrdom (tradition) |
| Primary Shrine | St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City |
Saint Alexander I (died c. 115 AD) was, according to ancient Christian tradition, the sixth bishop of Rome after Saint Peter, Saint Linus, Saint Anacletus (Cletus), Saint Clement I, and Saint Evaristus, thus the sixth pope.[1] He appears in the earliest papal catalogues of Irenaeus of Lyons (c. 180), Eusebius of Caesarea (c. 324), and the Liber Pontificalis, which assign him a pontificate of approximately ten years (c. 105–115 AD).[2]
Historical evidence for Alexander I is extremely limited. The Liber Pontificalis (6th century) states that he was a Roman citizen of the Caput Tauri district, introduced the Qui Pridie into the Mass, instituted holy water, and ordained saints Hermes and Quirinus—details now regarded as later fabrications from the 5th–6th centuries.[3] Earlier sources provide only his name and the length of his pontificate. Tradition holds that he suffered martyrdom under Trajan or Hadrian and was buried on the Via Nomentana, though no contemporary evidence confirms this. As an ancient pope, his veneration began in the early Church without formal canonization processes; his feast is 3 May in the Roman Calendar.
Biography
Birth
No reliable historical data exist concerning the birth of Saint Alexander I. The Liber Pontificalis claims he was a Roman from the Caput Tauri district, but this information cannot be verified and is considered legendary.[4]
Early Life
No information survives regarding Alexander’s life before his episcopacy.
Occupation
According to the earliest catalogues, Alexander succeeded Saint Evaristus as bishop of Rome around AD 105–107 and led the Church for approximately ten years until c. 115.[5]
Vocation
Alexander’s vocation was that of bishop of Rome during the early 2nd century, a period of continued consolidation for the Roman Christian community under Trajan and Hadrian.
Death
Saint Alexander died in Rome, with tradition dating his death to c. 115 AD. The Roman Martyrology describes him as a martyr buried on the Via Nomentana, though no contemporary evidence supports martyrdom.[6]
Saint Alexander I met his end through martyrdom, according to long-standing tradition.
Significant events
- Succeeded Saint Evaristus as bishop of Rome (c. 105–115 AD), according to the earliest papal lists.
Significant locations
Legend
Birth location: Rome, Roman Empire
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 Alexander I 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 Alexander I.
Patronage
No specific patronage is attributed to Saint Alexander I.
Feast day
May 03
Veneration
Saint Alexander I is venerated as the sixth pope with a memorial on 3 May. His name is included in the Roman Canon.
External links
References
- ↑ "Pope St. Alexander I". New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01285a.htm.
- ↑ "Saint Alexander I". Holy See. https://www.vatican.va/content/vatican/en/roman_curia/pontifical_committees/archeology/documents/rc_comm_archeo_02001010_alessandro_en.html.
- ↑ "St. Alexander I". Catholic Online. https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=39.
- ↑ "Pope St. Alexander I". New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01285a.htm.
- ↑ "Saint Alexander I". Holy See. https://www.vatican.va/content/vatican/en/roman_curia/pontifical_committees/archeology/documents/rc_comm_archeo_02001010_alessandro_en.html.
- ↑ "St. Alexander I". Catholic Online. https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=39.