Saint’s Life Story

His Early Life

Fabian was a noble Roman by birth. His father’s name was Fabius. This information is recorded in the Liber Pontificalis, a book about the popes from Saint Peter until the 15th century. He was probably born in Rome, Italy around the end most likely around 200. Otherwise, nothing more is known about his early life.

Dove Descends

After the short 43 day reign of Pope Anterus, Fabian, layperson – most likely a farmer, had come to Rome from the countryside. As a layperson, Fabian may have come for the same reason many still come to Rome today during a papal election: concern for the future of the faith, curiosity about the new pope, a desire to grieve for the pope who had passed. Seeing all the important people gathered to make this momentous decision must have been overwhelming.

Over the course of 13 days, the names of several illustrious and noble churchmen were being considered to be the next Pope. According to the fourth-century writer, Eusebius of Caesarea, “Although present, Fabian was in the mind of none”. Suddenly during the discussion, a dove descended from the ceiling. But it didn’t settle on “someone known” for anything at all. The dove, according to Eusebius, “settled on [Fabian’s] head as clear imitation of the descent of the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove upon the Savior.” There must have been something of the Holy Spirit working because everyone suddenly proclaimed Fabian as “worthy” to be pope and this stranger was elected.

First Layman Elected Pope

As a result, Fabian was chosen, amidst acclamation, as the 20th Pope on January 10, 236. Although Fabian’s background as a farmer may have seemed unconventional for the papacy, he embraced his newfound role with dedication and zeal. Fabian was helped led the baptism of Emperor Philip and his son. Emperor Philip remained friendly with Christians, and the Persecution of the Christian Church was put to rest.

Sent Missionaries to France

During his pontificate, Pope Fabian sent Saint Dionysius of Paris and other “apostles to the Gauls”, also known as present-day France. This missionary effort aimed to spread the teachings of Christianity and establish a strong Christian presence with 7 bishops going to the French regions of Tours, Arles, Narbonne, Toulouse, Paris, Clemont, and Limoges.

Organize Church with 7 Roman Deacons

In his era as Pope, Fabian built up the structure of the Church of Rome. He divided Rome into seven districts and assigned seven deacons of the church to each district. For every seven deacons, he appointed subdeacons to help in the building of the church and to collect the acta of the martyrs — the reports of the court proceedings on the occasion of their trials.

Condemned Heresy

Fabian also confronted the challenges presented by heresy during his time as pope. He specifically condemned the heresies propagated by Privatus, (Bishop of Lambaesa) in Africa, a figure who deviated from the orthodox teachings of the Church.

Returned Saints Pontian and Hippolytus

During Fabian’s reign of 14 years as Pope, there was a lull in the storm of persecution which had resulted in the exile of both Pope Anterus’ predecessor Saint Pontian and the antipope (and later saint) Saint Hippolytus. Fabian had enough influence at court to exhume and then return the bodies of both of these martyrs from Sardinia, where they had died while doing hard labor in the mines.

In addition, Fabian did extensive work on the catacombs. In the catacombs, several notable individuals would be buried.

Writings by Fabian can be read online in the Documenta Catholica Omnia.

Emperor Decius

In 249, thirteen years after Fabian became Pope, Emperor Decius rose to power. Within a year of Decius’ ascension to the emperor’s throne, he issued an edict that required everyone in the empire to offer sacrifice both to the Roman gods and for the good of the emperor himself. What’s more, the sacrifices had to be confirmed by the magistrate who, after witnessing the sacrifice, would issue a certificate verifying the sacrilegious deed had been completed. Those who refused could be imprisoned or killed. Fabian was one of the first Christians ordered to do this and, when he refused, he was arrested.

His Martyrdom

Many didn’t have the courage to stand up to martyrdom. But, Fabian stood as a courageous example for everyone in his flock. Fabian was the first one to die a martyr’s death under the Emperor Decius’ brutal persecutions in 250. He was likely beheaded, although the exact details of his execution are unclear.

Fabian is buried in the Cemetery of Saint Calixtus that he helped rebuild and beautify. So, Fabian died in 250 as one of the first victims of the persecution of Christians under Emperor Decius. He was buried in the catacombs of Saint Callistus in Rome. The original slab that covered his first tomb, which says clearly in Greek, “Fabian, bishop, martyr,” survives. Later, some of his relics were taken to San Sebastiano fuori le mura, (Basilica of Saint Sebastian Outside the Walls), where it was found in 1915. So then, the two martyrs were honored with one feast on January 20.

Saint Fabian is described by his contemporary, Saint Cyprian, as “an incomparable man, the glory of whose death corresponded with the holiness of his life.”

In art, Saint Fabian is depicted with a dove by his side.

Born:                  Unknown (likely around 200) and likely in Rome, Italy

Died:                  Around 250 buried in the catacombs of Saint Callistus in Rome, Italy

Beatified:           Pre-Congregation

Canonized:        Pre-Congregation

Feast Day:          January 20

Patron Saint:     Lead-Founders; Potters; Selm, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

Source:

• • CatholicSaints.Info » Pope Saint Fabian
  • January 20 – The Feast of St. Pope Fabian | Covenant Catholic
  • Fabianus – Ecumenical Encyclopedia of Saints (Translated from German)
  • Saint Fabian – My Catholic Life!
  • Pope Saint Fabian – Saint for a Minute: Saints & Blesseds
  • Pope Fabian – Wikipedia

Prayers

Video Link

Saint Fabian | Voice of Saints | January 19 – YouTube Video (Saints Fans Association)