Anacletus

Saint Anacletus, also known as Cletus, was born in Rome around AD 15. In the generation after the Apostles, he served the young Church as bishop of Rome, succeeding Saint Linus and continuing the pastoral care first entrusted to Saint Peter. Though few details of his life survive, tradition remembers him as a steady shepherd during a time of hardship and danger for Christians. He is credited with ordaining a number of priests and, according to ancient custom, organizing the Christian community of Rome by establishing about twenty-five parishes—an early sign of the Church’s growing life and order in the heart of the empire. Anacletus is venerated as a martyr, believed to have given his life for Christ around AD 92. A tomb traditionally associated with him lies near Saint Peter’s resting place beneath Saint Peter’s Basilica, and his name is honored in the Roman Canon of the Mass. He is a patron of Belmonte del Sannio and Ruvo di Puglia. His feast day is April 26.