The Saint of the day January 16 is San Marcello Pope and martyr, which name day is celebrated and other saints who are celebrated on this date.

San Marcello Pope and martyr

There is no certain information regarding the life of Marcello, it is known that he was Pope from 27 May 308 to 16 January 309.

For a long time he was assimilated to San Marcellino, a pontiff who suffered martyrdom in 304.

Some attribute to him the merit of having reorganized the parishes destroyed by the persecution of Diocletian and of having been rigorous towards the lapses, or those who, in order not to be tortured, had accepted to worship the pagan gods during the period of persecutions against the Christians.

In fact, Pope Marcellus admitted the lapses to the sacraments only if they first performed the required penance.

Pope Marcello I must be seen in an era of great upheaval for the life of the whole Church, due to the persecution known as that of the emperor Diocletian, but which was actually wanted by his future successor Galerius, who died in 311.

The German historian Theodor Mommsen, together with other scholars, says that Marcello would not have been a true Pope, but a simple Roman priest, with the temporary function of regent of the Church, carried out after the death of Pope Marcellinus in 304.

But ancient sources confirm instead the pontificate of Marcello I, of which the behavior held in the period following the persecution, towards the so-called lapsis, or towards the Christians who, for fear of losing their life, had denied the faith, is underlined.

San Marcello Pope and martyr was buried in the cemetery of Balbina, located in via Ardeatina in Rome.

Other saints and celebrations of January 16

• Saints Berardo, Otone, Pietro, Accursio and Adiuto

Protomartyrs of the Order of Friars Minor

• San Dana (Danatte)

Martyr

Recommended readings
• January 26: saint of the day, name day
• January 12: saint of the day, name day
• January 4: saint of the day, name day
• January 16: saint of the day, name day
• January 27: saint of the day, name day
• San Fursa (Furseo)

Abbot

• San Giacomo di Tarantasia

Proto-bishop of Moutiers

• Santa Giovanna from Bagno di Romagna

Camaldolese nun

• Blessed Giuseppe Tovini

Catholic layman, Franciscan tertiary

• St. Joseph Vaz

Missionary

• San Leobazio

Abbot

• San Melas

Bishop of Rhinocolura



• Saint Honored of Arles

Bishop

• San Tiziano di Oderzo

Bishop

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