Saint Hyginus, Pope

Saint Hyginus was born in Athens, Greece, and was the ninth Pope among the first twelve bishops of Rome made by Saint Irenaeus. He was much loved by the people and governed the Church for four years, from 136 to 140, during a time of persecution of Christians and threats from heretical sects. During this period, pagan attacks had diminished and the Church was threatened by the proliferation of heresies.

Two heretics named Valentim and Cerdão tried to confront Rome by spreading the heresy of Gnosticism, a mixture of religious doctrines and practices with philosophy and mysteries. The fundamental principle of Gnosticism is that there is a common faith that is sufficient for the uneducated, but there is a science reserved for the learned that offers a philosophical explanation of the common faith. These two heretics were excommunicated by Pope Hyginus, who was known as a philosopher of Athenian origin.

Saint Hyginus strove to preserve the integrity of evangelical teaching and took the powerful emperor Hadrian as an example. He reformed the hierarchical structures of the Church, instituted the Minor Orders to improve Church service and preparation for the priesthood. It is believed that he also appointed godparents at baptism.

Saint Hyginus suffered martyrdom in the persecution unleashed by Emperor Antoninus Pius, probably on January 11, 142. He is remembered for his commitment to the preservation of evangelical teaching and his fight against heresies. Today, he is venerated as a saint by the Catholic Church.