St Clement, Pope, and St Felicity

Word for the day

“Now I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you be in agreement and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same purpose.” 1 Corinthians 1:10

Life

Clement was one of the first bishops of Rome, listed by St Irenaeus as the third successor of Peter. Around AD 96 he wrote a letter to the Church in Corinth, which was divided by quarrels, urging them to peace, humility and order. It is one of the oldest Christian writings outside the New Testament. A later tradition says that he was exiled to the Crimea and martyred by drowning with an anchor; this is regarded as legend.

Felicity was a Roman martyr buried on the Via Salaria. A later account, largely legendary, says she was a widow who encouraged her seven sons to die for Christ before she herself was martyred. Both are named in the ancient Roman Canon of the Mass.

Lessons

Peacemakers in the Church

Clement wrote to heal divisions; we too can heal quarrels.

Faith handed down in families

Felicity is remembered as a mother who strengthened her children's faith.

The Church of the first centuries

Their memory links us with the earliest Christians.

Stories

Clement's letter (history)

Clement's letter to the Corinthians, still preserved, asks the community to put away jealousy and live in harmony.

The anchor (legend)

A later legend says Clement was thrown into the sea with an anchor tied to him; he is often shown with an anchor.

Homily

1. No divisions among you

Paul and Clement both wrote to Corinth begging for unity (1 Corinthians 1:10).

2. Known by our fruit

A good tree bears good fruit: peace is the fruit of humility.

3. Mothers of faith

Felicity's story honours parents who form their children in faith.

Dear friends, today we remember two early martyrs of Rome. Clement, one of the first bishops of Rome, wrote around the year 96 to the Christians of Corinth, who were quarrelling and dividing. Like Paul before him, he begged them to be united in the same mind (1 Corinthians 1:10), to put away jealousy and to live humbly.

Felicity is honoured as a Roman martyr; a later account, largely legendary, remembers her as a mother who strengthened her sons to remain faithful. Whatever the details, the Church has prayed her name in the Mass for many centuries.

Two lessons for us: be peacemakers in the Church and in the family, and pass on the faith to your children. A good tree bears good fruit. Let our parishes be known for harmony, and our homes for faith. Amen.

Prayer

Lord God, you gave your Church St Clement as a shepherd of peace and St Felicity as a mother of faith. Through their prayers, keep us united in your Church and faithful in our families. Amen.