Agapetus I

Saint Agapetus I was born in Rome around 489 or 490, the son of Gordianus, a Roman priest who was killed during unrest in the Church. Ordained a deacon in his youth and later serving as archdeacon, Agapetus was elected Bishop of Rome on May 13, 535, in a time of political turmoil and doctrinal tension. Though his pontificate lasted only ten months, he showed a pastor’s heart and a firm devotion to the truth, publicly healing old wounds within the Roman clergy and supporting the founding of monastic life through Cassiodorus. In 536 he undertook a perilous winter journey to Constantinople, even pledging sacred vessels to fund the mission, hoping to avert war. When peace proved impossible, he turned to safeguarding the faith, deposing the patriarch Anthimus for error and personally consecrating Menas as his successor—an act remembered for its courage and clarity. Agapetus died in Constantinople on April 22, 536, and was buried at St. Peter’s in Rome. He is venerated in both East and West, and is patron of Saint-Elizabeth of Lotbinière Parish. His feast day is April 22.