Victor I

Saint Victor I was born in the Roman Province of Africa, of Berber origin, and later came to serve the Church at Rome in the closing years of the second century. Elected Bishop of Rome around 189, he guided the Christian community during a time when the faith was still clarifying its teaching and practice amid pressure from the surrounding world. Victor is remembered for his firm defense of the truth about Christ, opposing those who claimed that Jesus was merely a man and not truly divine. He is best known for his role in the controversy over the date of celebrating Easter: while many churches in Asia Minor kept the feast on the 14th of Nisan, Victor pressed for a common Sunday celebration in keeping with the day of the Resurrection. His severity in breaking communion with some Eastern bishops drew fraternal correction from saints such as Irenaeus, reminding the Church to hold unity and charity together. Venerated as Pope and Martyr, Saint Victor I is honored as patron of Saint-Victor. His feast day is July 28.