Time and place

Not even two months after he was elected, the Pope was dead.

As the prelates gathered to elect a new Pope, there was a great deal of speculation. Some wondered if this was the time to “think outside the box,” whether this was the time for the Holy Spirit to choose someone unexpected.

Indeed, an outsider was chosen: a Pontiff who would guide the Church wisely for years.

How much of an outsider was he? He was actually a farmer on a visit to the city who happened to be in the room. As the leaders had prayed for the guidance of the Holy Spirit, a dove had flown in the window and perched itself on the farmer’s head.

Everyone took it as a sign and he was unanimously acclaimed the new Pope.

Fabian, the visiting farmer and layman who was made Bishop of Rome, turned out to be a fairly successful Pope: ministering to the people, improving Church administration, sending out missionaries, and dealing with heresies during years of relative peace.

The peace came to an end and St. Fabian was martyred in the year 250. His memory is celebrated on this day.