Saint Sixtus I
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| Saint Sixtus I | |
| Feast Day | April 03 |
|---|---|
| Liturgical Class | |
| Patronage | |
| Birthplace | Rome, Roman Empire (tradition) |
| Death Place | Rome, Roman Empire |
| Cause of Death | martyrdom (tradition) |
| Primary Shrine | St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City |
Saint Sixtus I (also Xystus I; died c. 125 AD) was, according to ancient Christian tradition, the seventh bishop of Rome after Saint Peter, Saint Linus, Saint Anacletus, Saint Clement I, Evaristus, and Alexander I, thus the seventh 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. 115–125 AD).[2]
Historical evidence for Sixtus I is extremely limited. The Liber Pontificalis states he was a Roman by birth, son of a certain Pastor from the Via Lata district, and that he decreed that sacred vessels should be touched only by ministers and that bishops returning from leave should not be received without letters of communion—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 under Hadrian and was buried on the Vatican Hill near Saint Peter, 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 April in the Roman Calendar.
Biography
Birth
No reliable historical data exist concerning the birth of Saint Sixtus I. The Liber Pontificalis claims he was a Roman from the Via Lata district, son of a man named Pastor, but this information cannot be verified and is considered legendary.[4]
Early Life
No information survives regarding Sixtus’ life before his episcopacy.
Occupation
According to the earliest catalogues, Sixtus succeeded Saint Alexander I as bishop of Rome around AD 115–117 and led the Church for approximately ten years until c. 125.[5]
Vocation
Sixtus’ vocation was that of bishop of Rome during the early 2nd century, under the emperors Trajan and Hadrian.
Death
Saint Sixtus died in Rome, with tradition dating his death to c. 125 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 Sixtus I met his end through martyrdom, according to long-standing tradition.
Significant events
- Succeeded Saint Alexander I as bishop of Rome (c. 115–125 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 Sixtus 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 Sixtus I.
Patronage
No specific patronage is attributed to Saint Sixtus I.
Feast day
April 03
Veneration
Saint Sixtus I is venerated as the seventh pope with a memorial on 3 April. His name is included in the Roman Canon.
External links
References
- ↑ "Pope St. Sixtus I". New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/15453a.htm.
- ↑ "Saint Sixtus I". Holy See. https://www.vatican.va/content/vatican/en/roman_curia/pontifical_committees/archeology/documents/rc_comm_archeo_02001010_sisto_en.html.
- ↑ "St. Sixtus I". Catholic Online. https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=40.
- ↑ "Pope St. Sixtus I". New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/15453a.htm.
- ↑ "Vatican Grottoes". Holy See. https://www.vatican.va/content/various/basiliche/san_pietro/vaticano_grotte_en.html.
- ↑ "St. Sixtus I". Catholic Online. https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=40.