St. Anastasius I
Pope
Feast Day: December 19
Biography
St. Anastasius I (d. 401) was born in Rome, the son of a man named Maximus. He was elected Bishop of Rome on November 27, 399, succeeding Pope St. Siricius, and served for just over two years. His short pontificate fell in the troubled years when barbarian peoples were pressing on the frontiers of the Western Roman Empire. At that time a bitter controversy had arisen over the writings of Origen, the great third-century theologian of Alexandria, some of whose speculative ideas were considered dangerous to the faith. Rufinus of Aquileia had recently translated Origen's work On First Principles into Latin, and Theophilus, patriarch of Alexandria, urged the pope to act. Anastasius condemned the errors drawn from Origen's writings, while leaving Rufinus to answer to God for his own intentions. He also wrote to encourage the bishops of North Africa in their efforts to heal the Donatist schism. The Liber Pontificalis credits him with the custom that priests should stand with heads bowed while the Gospel is read. He counted St. Augustine, St. Paulinus of Nola, and St. Jerome among his friends. Jerome described him as a man of great holiness, rich in his poverty. Anastasius died on December 19, 401, and was buried in the Catacomb of Pontian on the Via Portuensis.
Patronages
Symbols
Prayer
St. Anastasius, faithful shepherd of Rome, you guarded the faith and lived simply, rich in your poverty. Pray for our Holy Father and for all who teach in the Church's name. Help me to listen to the Gospel with reverence, to cling to the truth with charity, and to seek unity with all my brothers and sisters in Christ. Amen.
Asking for Intercession
Catholics ask saints to pray with us and for us, as we ask friends on earth. St. Anastasius I, who lives in God's presence, intercedes before His throne. Speak from your heart: “St. Anastasius I, please pray for me…” You may also pray the prayer above or include this intention in your Rosary.