This is the memorial of Saints Callixtus, (+222-223) (also spelled Callistus), whose life is historically shrouded, as are many of the early Christians. Some say he was a reformed slave who lived a rather dissolute and rebellious life in youth, with theft and street fighting as part of his résumé – or rap sheet. if you will. He was soon arrested. Others say he was falsely and unjustly convicted of theft. One way or the other, he was arrested, perhaps for the purported theft, others say for being a Christian, of all things. What we do know is that he was sent to the mines of Sardinia, which was a near-certain death sentence. Providentially, and mercifully, he was released sometime before the turn of the century, and his own demise. In the midst of these labyrinthine ways, Callixtus had undergone a (deeper) conversion, and he was ordained a deacon in 199, being put in charge of the cemetery on the Appian Way, the first plot of land officially owned by the Church, apparently. The catacombs there still go by his name.
His talent and energy were quickly recognized, and in 217 he was elected Pope, in which pastoral role he’s extended the mercy that had been shown to him to others, allowing schismatics and others into the Church with what other thought too little penance. The rigorists demurred, Tertullian amongst them, and banded together to choose Hippolytus as anti-Pope (who also later was sent to Sardinia, repented and reconciled with the Church, and was also later canonized – his feast is on August 13th, with his fellow martyr Pontian).
Callixtus himself too died a martyr, according to the legend, by being cast into a well during an uprising.
There’s something about suffering, which, as Pope John Paul teaches in his profound letter on this theme, prompts an openness to God’s mercy and His salvific grace within the soul. All God needs is a movement of the heart towards Him, just a nudge; that is enough, to move the soul to sanctity, which is what it’s all about.
Saint Callixtus, ora pro nobis!