January 16: Saint Marcellus I, Pope

Life and Papacy of Pope Saint Marcellus I

Pope Saint Marcellus reigned as pontiff just after the Diocletian Persecution. He reorganized the Roman presbyterate and required all Lapsi to do public penance. Because of this stand concerning the Lapsi, the Emperor Maxentius banished Marcellus. He died due to the harshness of said exile. 

Collect Prayer for the Feast of Pope Saint Marcellus I

We beseech Thee, O Lord, mercifully hear the prayers of Thy people,

that we may be aided by the merits of blessed Marcellus, 

Thy Martyr and Bishop, in whose martyrdom we rejoice. Through Our Lord...

Audio for Saint Marcellus, Lauds: 

Header image: Ciocchi, Giovanni Battista. 2005. Gloria di San Marcello. Sacristy ceiling fresco. San Marcello al Corso, Rome, Italy. Photograph by Anthony Majanlahti. Wikimedia Commons. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Roma-sanmarcelloalcorso2.jpg.

video image: Portrait of Pope Marcellus I. Ca. 1850. Mosaic medallion. Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, Rome, Italy. Wikimedia Commons. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pope_St_Marcellus_I_the_Martyr_of_Rome_306-309.jpg.