Background
St. Fabian was born in 190, in Rome, Italy.
St. Fabian was born in 190, in Rome, Italy.
Fabian's pontificate (236-250) fell in the peaceful days under the emperors Gordian and Philip the Arabian. In order to insure efficient spiritual administration Fabian divided Rome into seven regions which were entrusted to the seven deacons. He also reorganized the Christian cemeteries in Rome. One of the first victims of the savage persecution of Christians under Decius, he was put to death on Jan. 1, 250, and buried in San Callisto; his body was not discovered until 1915. His feast day is January 20.