On August 7, the Church celebrates Sixtus II, Pope and Martyr, and Companions, Martyrs. Who were those companions who were martyred with Pope Sixtus II?
The Liturgy of the Hours provides this description for today. “Saint Sixtus was ordained bishop of the Church of Rome in 257. The following year, while celebrating the sacred liturgy in the cemetery of Saint Callistus, he was arrested by soldiers carrying out the edict of the Emperor Valerian. On the same day, August 6, he was put to death along with four deacons. He was buried in the same cemetery.”
The four deacons are almost mentioned as an afterthought. It doesn’t say who they were. It doesn’t say where they were buried. They are simply listed as companions who were put to death along with the pope.
This feast day serves as a good reminder for me to simply go about doing the work of a deacon without looking for recognition. At the end of life, may I be considered a “Companion” of the Good Shepherd!
Blessings and peace!