With All Saints' Day approaching, a couple of people have asked me about my November Daily Saint posts (this will be my 5th year doing this!). I have decided to start early this year in case I miss a day or more 🙂. I will start with a Saint requested by my sister, Tonya.
Pope St. Pontian was the 18th Pope, elected in 230 after the death of the Pope Urban I. He was Pope for about 5 years. Nothing certain is known of his life prior to his papacy - not even his birthdate or family history. However, it is believed that he was a native of Rome.
His pontificate was initially peaceful, but when Emperor Maximinus came to power he overturned his predecessor's tolerance of Christianity. A new persecution began directed mainly at the leaders of the Church. Both the Pope and Anti-pope Hippolytus were arrested and sent into exile. They were sent to the 'Unhealthy" island of Sardinia. Pontian resigned his office in order that a new Pope could be elected. He was the first Pope to abdicate. (Around this same time, Hippolytus was reconciled to the Roman Church, ending the schism he had caused.)
It is not known how long Pontian endured the harsh treatment and sufferings of the Sardinian mines before he died in exile. His relics were brought back to Rome by Pope St. Fabian and buried in the papal crypt in the Catacomb of Callixtus on the Appian Way. His Feast Day is celebrated on November 19.
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