Wisdom from the Apostolic Fathers: Pope Pontian

Greetings,

In this post, I will be continuing my series highlighting the lives of the martyrs and Saints who have laid the foundations for Christianity.  Today`s emphasis will be on Pope Pontian, a 3rd century pope who died of harsh treatment in 235 A.D.  The American Catholic website describes his life this way:

"Pontian was a Roman who served as pope from 230 to 235. During his reign he held a synod which confirmed the excommunication of the great theologian Origen in Alexandria. Pontian was banished to exile by the Roman emperor in 235, and resigned so that a successor could be elected in Rome. He was sent to the “unhealthy” island of Sardinia, where he died of harsh treatment in 235. With him was Hippolytus (see below) with whom he was reconciled. The bodies of both martyrs were brought back to Rome and buried with solemn rites as martyrs."  

Within the Catholic Church, his memory has been preserved by this prayer.  

"Lord,
may the loyal suffering of Your saints, Pontian and Hippolytus,
fill us with Your love
and make our hearts steadfast in faith.
Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,
who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen."

(http://www.wf-f.org/StsPontianHippolytus.html)

John 15:18-21
"If the world hates you, know that it has hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you, 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you; if they kept My word, they will keep yours also. But all this they will do to you on My account, because they do not know Him who sent Me."