Pope Saint Pontian & Saint Hippolytus
Image Courtesy: Fr. Brad Sweet@Twitter
Two men were martyred for their faith after exhaustion and brutal treatment…
Pope Saint Pontian: Born in Italy Rome, was chosen as the 18th Pope (230-235) During his reign he held a synod which confirmed the excommunication of the great theologian Origen in Alexandria.
In 235 Pope Pontian was banished to exile to work in the mines on the unhealthy island of Sardinia by the Roman Emperor, he subsequently abdicated the Papacy so that a successor could be elected in Rome–Pontian would subsequently die of harsh treatment.
Saint Hippolytus: Third century imperial Roman soldier according to SQPN assigned to guard Christian prisoners, he was subsequently converted by them and became a Priest — Censured in later years by the Pope for not coming down hard enough on certain heresy, was labeled a tool in the hands of one Callistus coming close to advocating the opposite heresy himself.
When Callistus I was elected Pope, Hippolytus accused him of being too lenient on Penitents and had himself elected as Antipope by a group of followers–he felt the Church must be composed of pure souls uncompromisingly separated from the world. Hippolytus remained in schism through the reigns of three Pope’s.
In 235 he would also be banished to the unhealthy island of Sardinia — Shortly before or after his banishment he was reconciled to the Church. Hippolytus died according to SQPN by being dragged or torn apart by horses while in exile.
Related: For Today’s Holy Scripture Readings for the Memorial of Pope St. Pontian and St. Hippolytus -USCCB