Pope Saint Sixtus II the Martyr
         Pope Sixtus II was one of the Greek popes, a martyr for the faith and key figure in preserving the unity of Christianity and illustrating the importance of the Bishop of Rome from the earliest years of Church history. Sixtus was a philosopher and had converted to Christianity as an adult. He succeeded Pope St Stephen I on August 30, 257 and worked to heal the breach that had opened between Rome and the North African Bishop Cyprian of Carthage. The dispute had erupted over the question of whether or not it was necessary for the repentent followers of the anti-pope Novatian to be re-baptized or not. St Sixtus II was able to accomplish this with a different style of leadership than his predecessor who simply relied on the fact that he spoke from the "cathedra Petri" (throne of Peter) and thus had to be obeyed absolutely. While this was true, the manner in which it was asserted drove many away. Pope Sixtus had a more conciliatory style and through his calm exchanges was able to repair the rifts in the Church and thus fulfill the statements earlier made about papal primacy.
          St Sixtus II was not to sit on the papal throne for long though. The Emperor of Rome, the pagan Valerian, had decreed that all Christian bishops, priests and deacons were to be executed. The details vary slightly, but Pope Sixtus was preaching a sermon in the Roman Praetextatus cemetery when Roman soldiers burst in demanding that the leaders of the congregation be handed over. St Sixtus II announced that he was the Bishop of Rome and gave himself up, asking only that his flock not be harmed. The four deacons who were assisting him were inspired by the Pope's bravery and also gave themselves up for worshipping as Christians. Pope St Sixtus II and his four deacons were, according to one witness, beheaded together on August 6, 258. He was buried in the same catacombs where he had been celebrating mass.
          Originally, St Sixtus' feast day, and that of his companions was August 6, but it was later moved to Agust 7, my birthday, and that along with the fact he was, like me, an adult convert to Catholicism has always caused me to have a special place in my heart for St Sixtus II, Pope and Martyr.
My Prayer to Pope St Sixtus II

     Holy martyr and pontiff Sixtus II, through your life you are a pious inspirartion for all people of God. Help me, most powerful patron, to follow your holy example in being a friend to those around me, to heal divisions and conflict wherever I find them, to be humble in all my dealings with others and to always submit to the will of God, no matter how difficult it may be or what sacrifices it may entail. Help me to love God so completely that I may be able to sacrifice everything at His command, to help the less fortunate, to serve Holy Mother Church and to proclaim the salvation of Christ throughout the world, even when it is difficult and dangerous to do so. Heroic martyr of the faith, pray that I may have the wisdom to see the will of God, the strength to follow it and the courage to give all that I have, even to the shedding of my life's blood so that the will of God may be served. Ask God to inspire my heart with a portion of your zeal, your peace and your courage to carry out His wishes always. Pope St Sixtus II, pray for me now and at my death. Amen.
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