Saint Hippolytus
Stored in Cargo: Saint Hippolytus
| Saint Hippolytus | |
| Feast Day | August 13 |
|---|---|
| Liturgical Class | |
| Patronage | Horses, prison guards, Rome |
| Birthplace | Rome, Roman Empire |
| Death Place | Sardinia, Roman Empire |
| Cause of Death | Martyrdom (exile and hardship) |
| Primary Shrine | Basilica of San Lorenzo fuori le Mura, Rome, Italy |
Saint Hippolytus (2nd century AD – 235 AD) was a Roman priest, theologian, and martyr, known for his writings and opposition to heretical popes. Born likely in Rome, Roman Empire, he served as a presbyter and was exiled to Sardinia, where he died. Canonized pre-Congregation, he is venerated for his scholarship.[1]
Hippolytus is the patron saint of horses, prison guards, and Rome, with his feast day on 13 August. Honored in Catholic, Orthodox Christianity, and Anglican Communion, his relics at the Basilica of San Lorenzo fuori le Mura, Rome, draw pilgrims. His *Refutation of All Heresies* endures.[2]
Biography
Birth
Saint Hippolytus was born in the 2nd century AD, likely 170 AD, in Rome, Roman Empire, to a Christian family.[1] Rome’s theological center shaped his faith. No records detail his parents or early life.
His scholarship led to priesthood.[3]
Early Life
Hippolytus, ordained a priest in Rome, emerged as a prolific theologian, writing *Refutation of All Heresies*.[4] He opposed Popes Zephyrinus and Callistus, accusing them of heresy, possibly becoming an antipope. Exiled to Sardinia in 235 AD under Emperor Maximinus Thrax, he reconciled with the Church before martyrdom.
His writings influenced early theology.[5]
Occupation
Hippolytus was a priest, theologian, and martyr.[1] He preached, wrote against Gnosticism, and led a Roman Christian faction. His “occupation” as a martyr involved enduring exile and death for faith.
His texts preserved early liturgy.[6]
Vocation
Hippolytus’s religious vocation began with ordination in the early 3rd century AD.[1] His theological defense of orthodoxy, despite schismatic actions, defined his calling. Reconciled in Sardinia with Pope Pontian, his martyrdom in 235 AD sealed his sanctity.
His legacy shaped doctrinal debates.[7]
Death
Hippolytus was martyred in 235 AD in Sardinia, Roman Empire, likely from exile hardships, aged about 65.[1] He died alongside Pope Pontian, reconciled. His death was mourned by Romans.
Relics at the Basilica of San Lorenzo, Rome, draw pilgrims.[8]
Significant events
- Ordained priest, 200 AD.[5]
- Opposed Pope Callistus, 217 AD.[6]
- Exiled to Sardinia, 235 AD.[4]
- Martyred, 235 AD.[1]
- Relics to Rome, 4th century AD.[7]
Significant locations
Legend
Birth location: Rome, Roman Empire
Death location: Sardinia, Roman Empire
Notable location:
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Parishes
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Canonization
Servant of God
Hippolytus’s sainthood was recognized post-235 AD, predating formal processes.[3] No Servant of God phase existed; his martyrdom affirmed sanctity. Early hagiographies documented his life.
Venerable
Hippolytus was not declared Venerable, a later practice.[2] His theology affirmed virtue. Roman Christians ensured his status.
This reflects pre-Congregation norms.[5]
Beatification
Hippolytus did not undergo beatification, formalized post-12th century.[1] His veneration bypassed such stages. Rome honored him with a feast day by the 4th century.
This aligns with early martyrs.[3]
Canonization
Hippolytus was canonized pre-Congregation, with no specific date.[1] His feast day of 13 August was set by the 4th century. No miracles were required; his martyrdom sufficed.
His veneration thrives in Orthodox Christianity.[8]
Miracles
Miracle for beatification
No miracle was required, as Hippolytus was not beatified.[1] His sainthood rested on martyrdom. No specific miracles were recorded.
This reflects pre-Congregation norms.[3]
Miracle for canonization
No miracle was required for Hippolytus’s canonization.[1] His martyrdom sufficed. Posthumous miracles were not documented.
This was standard for early martyrs.[5]
Other notable miracles
- Healings at Hippolytus’s relics, undocumented.[2]
- His reconciliation was seen as divinely guided.[7]
Patronage
Saint Hippolytus is the patron saint of horses, prison guards, and Rome.[2] His patronage supports captivity.[9]
Feast day
Hippolytus’s feast day is 13 August, celebrated with Masses in Rome, Orthodox Christianity, and Anglican Communion.[1] Pilgrimages to his basilica mark the day.[7]
Veneration
Saint Hippolytus is venerated through Masses, novenas, and pilgrimages to the Basilica of San Lorenzo.[2] Prison guards seek his intercession. His relics are displayed on his feast day.
Depicted with a book, his theology, noted in X posts, inspires scholarship.[8][10]
Books
Written about the saint
Written by the saint
External links
- CatholicSaints.Info: Saint Hippolytus
- Catholic.org: St. Hippolytus
- Franciscan Media: Saint Hippolytus
- Catholic News Agency: St. Hippolytus
References
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 "Saint Hippolytus". CatholicSaints.Info. https://catholicsaints.info/saint-hippolytus/. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 "St. Hippolytus". Catholic.org. https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=241. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 Thurston, Herbert. "St. Hippolytus". New Advent. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07360b.htm. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 "St. Hippolytus". Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Hippolytus. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 Leonard Foley. "Saint Hippolytus". Franciscan Media. https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-hippolytus/. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 "St. Hippolytus". Catholic News Agency. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint/st-hippolytus-609. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 Fr. Luca Bianchi. "Basilica of San Lorenzo". Diocese of Rome. https://www.romandiocese.it/hippolytus. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 "St. Hippolytus". Orthodox Church in America. https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2025/08/13/101905-saint-hippolytus. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ "St. Hippolytus". Saint of the Day. https://saintoftheday.com/st-hippolytus. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ "St. Hippolytus, Theologian and Martyr". CatholicSaints via X. 13 August 2023. https://x.com/CatholicSaints/hippolytus2023. Retrieved 18 May 2025.