Saint Clement I
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| Saint Clement I | |
| Feast Day | November 23 |
|---|---|
| Liturgical Class | |
| Patronage | mariners; stonecutters; marble workers |
| Birthplace | Rome, Roman Empire |
| Death Place | Crimea (tradition) or Rome |
| Cause of Death | martyrdom (tradition) |
| Primary Shrine | Basilica of San Clemente al Laterano, Piazza di San Clemente, 00184 Rome, Italy |
Saint Clement I, also known as Clement of Rome (Latin: Clemens Romanus; died c. 99–101 AD), was, according to ancient Christian tradition, the fourth bishop of Rome after Saint Peter, Saint Linus, and Saint Anacletus (Cletus), thus the fourth pope.[1] He is listed 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 nine years (c. 92–101 AD).[2] Clement is best known as the author of the Epistle to the Corinthians (1 Clement), a genuine letter dated to c. 96 AD that addresses divisions in the Corinthian church and is the earliest extant Christian document outside the New Testament, demonstrating the Roman church’s early exercise of pastoral authority.[3]
Tradition identifies Clement as the Clement mentioned by Saint Paul in Philippians 4:3, though this cannot be confirmed. The Liber Pontificalis and later sources claim he was martyred under Trajan by being thrown into the sea with an anchor around his neck and buried in Crimea, but these details are considered legendary; the earliest sources do not mention martyrdom.[4] Archaeological excavations beneath the Basilica of San Clemente in Rome have revealed a 1st-century house church and 4th-century titulus Clementis, but no definitive remains of Clement himself. As an ancient pope and apostolic father, his veneration began in the early Church without formal canonization; his feast is 23 November in the Roman Calendar and 25 November in the Eastern Orthodox tradition.
Biography
Birth
No reliable historical data exist concerning the birth of Saint Clement. The Liber Pontificalis claims he was a Roman of the Caelian Hill from the region of the Vicus Patricius, but this information cannot be verified and is considered legendary.[5]
Early Life
Little is known of Clement’s life before his episcopacy. The identification with the Clement of Philippians 4:3, while traditional, remains uncertain. The authentic Epistle to the Corinthians demonstrates his familiarity with both Scripture and Greco-Roman rhetoric.[6]
Occupation
According to the earliest catalogues, Clement succeeded Saint Anacletus (Cletus) as bishop of Rome around AD 92 and led the Church for approximately nine years until c. 101.[7]
Vocation
Clement’s vocation was that of bishop of Rome during the late 1st century. His surviving letter (1 Clement) is a key witness to the early Roman church’s sense of responsibility for other communities and its understanding of apostolic succession.[8]
Death
Saint Clement died in Rome, with tradition dating his death to c. 99–101 AD. Later sources claim martyrdom by drowning in Crimea with an anchor, but this narrative first appears in the 4th century and is not supported by earlier evidence.[9]
Saint Clement met his end through martyrdom, according to tradition originating in the 4th century.
Significant events
- Authored the Epistle to the Corinthians (1 Clement), c. 96 AD, the earliest extant post-apostolic Christian document.
- Listed as fourth bishop of Rome in the earliest papal catalogues.
Significant locations
Legend
Birth location: Rome, Roman Empire
Death location: None
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Shrines
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List of shrines
Basilica of San Clemente al Laterano
- This 12th-century basilica in Rome, built over a 4th-century titulus Clementis and 1st-century structures, is the primary shrine associated with Saint Clement; it qualifies under Canon 1230 as a papal basilica with his traditional tomb and relic chapel.
- Pilgrimage details: Piazza di San Clemente, 00184 Rome, Italy; 4th-century titulus; November 23 Masses; Diocese of Rome.
- Facts: "Contains frescoes of Clement's legend and the reputed anchor of martyrdom."
Canonization
As an ancient bishop of Rome and apostolic father, Saint Clement 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 Clement.
Patronage
Saint Clement I is patron of mariners, stonecutters, and marble workers, based on later legendary accounts of his martyrdom.
Feast day
November 23
Veneration
Saint Clement is venerated as the fourth pope with a memorial on 23 November. His authentic letter is read in the Office of Readings on his feast.
External links
References
- ↑ "Pope St. Clement I". New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/04012c.htm.
- ↑ "Saint Clement I". Holy See. https://www.vatican.va/content/vatican/en/roman_curia/pontifical_committees/archeology/documents/rc_comm_archeo_02001010_clemente_en.html.
- ↑ Buz.com/biography/Saint-Clement-I "Saint Clement I". Britannica. https://www.britann Buz.com/biography/Saint-Clement-I.
- ↑ "St. Clement I". Catholic Online. https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=37.
- ↑ "Pope St. Clement I". New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/04012c.htm.
- ↑ "Saint Clement I". Holy See. https://www.vatican.va/content/vatican/en/roman_curia/pontifical_committees/archeology/documents/rc_comm_archeo_02001010_clemente_en.html.
- ↑ "Saint Clement I". Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Clement-I.
- ↑ "Pope St. Clement I". New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/04012c.htm.
- ↑ "St. Clement I". Catholic Online. https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=37.