died c. AD 100
Saint Clement of Rome, died c. AD 100
November 23
Saint Clement was the bishop of Rome. He was one of the first Popes after Saint Peter. In fact, he learned about Jesus from Saint Peter himself. One of the things we know about Saint Clement is that he wrote a special letter. It was sent to Christians in a place called Corinth. It is one of the oldest letters we have from a Pope. In it, he talks about the Eucharist. Sometimes you will hear Saint Clement’s name read in a list of Saints during Mass.
Discuss: How does the Pope communicate to people today?
Clement is a patron Saint of children, stonemasons and marble workers, and sailors. He is often shown holding an anchor. At one point while Clement was Pope, the Roman emperor was so angry with him that he had Clement sent to work in a mine. Clement opened a spring on the site of the mine and continued to evangelize people there so well that seventy-five churches were eventually built in the area!
Activity
Pope Francis I
Verbal/Linguistic
Invite your child to research Pope Francis, the reigning Pope of the Catholic Church. Provide him/her with Internet access and/or research materials from the library or your parish.