November 23 Celebration of Saints
Martyrdom of St Clement by Fungai, public domain
November 23 Celebration of Saints
Saint Clemente I
Pope Saint Clement I, also known as Saint Clement of Rome, was born circa the year 35 in the early 1st century. He was the third Bishop of Rome, following Saint Peter and Pope Linus.
In the first century the significant congregation of Christians in Rome peaked in the year 58. However, persecution of Christians began shortly thereafter, resulting in the martyrdom of Saints Peter and Paul.
Christians in Rome suffered persecution under the emperors Nero (starting after the burning of Rome in the year 64), Domitian (starting in the year 81) and Trajan, from 98 to 117.
Clement became Bishop of the Church of Rome (Pope) in the year 88.
He was the first of three Apostolic Fathers of the church, theologians who either knew or were influenced by the 12 apostles of Jesus. The other two are Polycarp and Ignatius of Antioch.
In accordance with apostolic tradition, Clement enforced the practice that bishops, clergy and elders oversaw the activities of the church.
During his reign, Pope Clement I was banished by the Emperor Trajan to toil in a stone quarry in Chersonesus.
As a prisoner, he converted many of his fellow prisoners to Christianity. Because of this, in the year 99 Clament was taken on a boat in the Black Sea, where he was tied to an anchor and thrown overboard.
The attributes of his image are the palm of martyrdom, a mariner’s cross, an anchor tied to his side and papal vestments.
Saint Pope Clement I is the patron saint of mariners and stone cutters.
Other Saints for Today
Other saints and the blessed beatified for this day include:
Saint Alexander Nevski, Saint Amphilocus, Saint Columban, Saint Felicitas of Rome, Blessed Miguel Pro, Saint Paternian, Saint Paulhen, Saint Rachilidis, Saint Trudo and Saint Wilfretrudis
