We are winding down to the end of our November Month of Saints and I still have not done a couple that Tonya asked for - so today we discover the only Anti-pope to be named a Saint.
Hippolytus was born around 170 AD and was one of the most important theologians of Rome of his time. However, he came into conflict with the Popes of his time and headed up a schismatic group as a rival Bishop of Rome, or Anti-Pope. He opposed the Roman Popes who softened the penitential system to accommodate the large number of new pagan converts.
Under the persecution of Emperor Maximinus Thrax, both Hippolytus and Pope Pontian (the authentic Pope at the time) were exiled together in 235 to Sardinia, likely dying in the mines. While in exile, prior to his death, Hippolytus was reconciled to the Church. His feast day is August 13.
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