January 16 is the feast day of Saint Marcellus I
January 16 is the feast day of Saint Marcellus I, in memory of the 30th Pope who led the Church between 308 and 309 AD. Born in Rome in 255, Marcellus I assumed the papacy after a four-year period of leadershiplessness, resulting from the intense persecution of Christians promoted by the Emperor Diocletian.
During his brief pontificate, Marcellus I faced the challenge of reorganizing the Church in the midst of adversity. He divided Rome into 25 districts, each under the responsibility of a presbyter, with the aim of reestablishing ecclesiastical structure and discipline. In addition, he imposed strict penances on Christians who had renounced their faith during the persecutions, which generated discontent and internal conflicts.
His firm stance led to his expulsion from Rome by Emperor Maxentius in 309, after riots caused by the severe penances he imposed. Marcellus I died the same year, and was later venerated as a martyr by the Church. His remains were buried in the Catacomb of Priscilla.
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