Saint of the Day: St. Moses of Rome

(d. ca. 251)

His life

+ Moses, a man of Jewish ancestry, was a prominent priest in Rome and a noted preacher.

+ He corresponded with Saint Cyprian of Carthage and was a staunch opponent of the Novatian heresy.

+ Following the martyrdom of Pope Saint Fabian on January 20, 250, Moses—with other priests—led the Church in Rome, despite the violence of persecution—until the election of Fabian’s successor, Pope Saint Cornelius.

+ Moses was arrested during the persecution of the Emperor Decius and died in 251 after spending more than a year in prison.

For prayer and reflection

“Thus should one regard us: as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of god. Now it is of course required of stewards that they be found trustworthy.”—1 Corinthians 4:1-2

Prayer

Almighty and merciful God, who brought your Martyr blessed Moses to overcome the torments of his passion, grant that we, who celebrate the day of his triumph, may remain invincible under your protection against the snares of the enemy. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.

(from The Roman Missal: Common of Martyrs—For One Martyr)

Saint profiles prepared by Brother Silas Henderson, S.D.S.