Sixtus was a priest of Rome when he was elected Pope on August 30, 257. During his brief Pontificate of one year, the controversy over the validity of baptism by heretics was at its height. He upheld the orthodox doctrine that baptism administered by the heretics was valid provided the formula used was correct. However, he was persuasive and tolerant towards the Churches in Africa and Asia Minor that disagreed with him. Eventually, these Churches fell in line with the orthodox doctrine.
Valerian was elected Roman Emperor in 253. Initially, he was conciliatory towards the Christians, many of whom held high positions in his empire. In the long run, suspecting that the members of this new faith were enemies of the Roman gods and the prosperity of his empire, in 257 the emperor issued an inhuman decree against the followers of Christ to the effect that “…Bishops, Priests and Deacons should forthwith die (even if they are willing to conform), but that Senators, persons of quality and Roman Knights should forfeit their honours, should have their estates forfeited, and if they still refuse to sacrifice, should lose their heads….” (St. Cyprian). Pope Sixtus took shelter in the underground cemetery/catacomb of Praetextatus, which was situated in the Apian Way. There he celebrated the Eucharist regularly and preached to the flock. On August 6, 258, while the Pontiff was celebrating the Eucharist in the same cemetery, a contingent of Roman soldiers broke into his hiding and put him to the sword along with four of his Deacons. The bodies of these martyrs were carried off by the Christians and buried in the cemetery/catacomb of St. Callixtus, who himself was a Pope and who was martyred in 222.
Reflection: It was the celebration of the Eucharist that energized the Christians in the midst of the bloodiest persecution that the Church had ever faced. The Holy Eucharist continues to strengthen the faithful in their struggles and agonies of life. These valiant soldiers of Christ were not so much persecuted and murdered as honoured and crowned for heaven.
“While they were eating, Jesus took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to the disciples and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you; for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” (Mt. 26: 26-28)
