St. Hegesippus

Saint Hegesippus

Confessor

Hegesippus, though he is known by a Greek name, was born a Jew, and converted to Christianity in Jerusalem, in the second century. He is remembered primarily as a writer, and St. Jerome notes that his simple, straightforward style was a sign of Christian humility, writing for the glory of God and the benefit of others rather than to satisfy his own pride. Among the works of Hegesippus was a five-book account of Church tradition, from the time of its founding by Christ to his own day, though this work has sadly been lost. He travelled a great deal, visiting the main churches throughout the East and West, and thus was able to give personal testimony to the unity of the Church in Catholic doctrine, notwithstanding the heresies that reared their ugly heads. Hegesippus wrote in opposition to Gnosticism and Marcionism in particular. After his travels Hegesippus ended up in Rome for about twenty years, where he catalogued the succession of popes up until his time. Eventually he returned to the East, most likely to his home city of Jerusalem, and died around the year of Our Lord 180.

Traditional Roman Martyrology for April 7th

IN Africa, the birthday of the holy martyrs Epiphanius, bishop, Donatus, Rufinus, and thirteen others.

At Sinope, in Pontus, two hundred holy martyrs.

In Cilicia, under the prefect Maximian, St. Calliopius, martyr. After undergoing other torments, he was fastened to a cross with his head downward, and gained the noble crown of martyrdom.

At Nicomedia, St. Cyriacus and ten other martyrs.

At Alexandria, St. Peleusius, priest and martyr.

At Rome, St. Hegesippus, who lived near the time of the Apostles. He came to Rome whilst Anicetus was Sovereign Pontiff, and remained till the accession of Eleutherius. He wrote the history of the Church in a simple style, from the Passion of our Lord to his own time, and delineated in his narrative the character of those whose lives he imitated.

At Verona, St. Saturninus, bishop and confessor.

In Syria, in the time of Valens, St. Aphraates, an anchoret, who defended the Catholic faith against the Arians by the power of miracles.

℣. And elsewhere many other holy martyrs, confessors, and holy virgins.

℟. Thanks be to God.