The Saint of October 14: San Callisto, history and prayer

Tomorrow, October 14, the Catholic Church commemorates Saint Callisto.

Callisto's story beautifully summarizes the spirit of early Christianity - forced to confront the corruption and persecutions of the Roman Empire - and transmits to us an absolutely unique human and spiritual story, which saw a slave from Trastevere, thief and usurer, become Pope and Martyr of Christianity.

Born around the middle of the second century, and soon became a slave, Callisto put his wits to good use until he won the trust of his master, who made him free and entrusted him with the administration of his possessions. Ordained deacon, he was named 'Guardian' of the Christian cemetery on the Appia Antica, the catacombs that take his name and spread over 4 floors for 20 km of corridor.

He was so much appreciated that, on the death of Zephyrinus, the Roman community in 217 elected him Pope - 15th successor of Peter.

Prayer to San Callisto

Hear, Lord, the prayer
than the Christian people
lift up to you
in the glorious memory
of San Callisto I,
pope and martyr
and for his intercession
guide us and support us
on the hard path of life.

For Christ our Lord.
Amen