We all get one short life. And we all want people to honor and remember us when we are gone. Nowadays, having a beautiful funeral or “celebration of life” ceremony is normal. Having a quiet resting place with an expensive headstone is normal. But hundreds of years ago, treating the dead with so much respect wasn’t the norm. 

That’s one reason Callistus stood out. He became known for how lovingly he cared for the dead in his community, and he brought many people to a life of faith with his example. But he wasn’t always so greatly respected.

Callistus was born into slavery and was put in charge of caring for a bank that his master owned. As the bank failed, Callistus fled, knowing that he would be blamed. He was quickly caught, arrested, and given an extremely harsh punishment. Years later, he was released, became a bishop, and was given the job of taking care the Christian cemetery on the Appian Way, one of the most important roads leading into Rome. It was there that everything began to turn around for Callistus.

Callistus cared for the dead with remarkable respect and kindness. His goodness caught the attention of many Christians, so much so that he was eventually elected pope. Legend has it that he was later martyred as part of an uprising against Christianity. 

Burying the dead is one of the Catholic works of mercy. For thousands of years, participating in these works has transformed lives—and they still have the power to transform lives today. So much good happened in Callistus' life because of how he cared for the dead. You might not be able to care for an entire cemetery like Callistus did, but there are still ways you can honor people who have passed on from this life: 

1. Attend funerals and wakes, even if it is inconvenient. 
2. Pray for the dead and their mourning families. 
3. Bring flowers to someone’s grave. 
4. Offer Mass for someone who has passed away. 
5. Share your favorite memories of the people who have died. 

The works of mercy are a profound invitation to extend God’s love to those who need it most. These actions set us apart as Christians. It’s time we rediscover their beauty and power.



Feast Day: October 14 

Patron Saint of: Cemetery Workers