Pope St. Telesphorus

  Posted on January 3, 2024  by admin  No comments

Papal Ascension: 128 to 129

Died: martyred 138 to 139

Also known as Telesforo

Greek, probably from Calabria. Pope. Celebrated Easter on Sunday but maintained fellowship with communities that did not. Started the tradition of Christmas Midnight Mass, and decided that the Gloria should be sung. Some legends say he was a hermit before his election, and that he instituted the tradition of Lent, but these are doubtful. Martyred, possibly due to conversions caused by his preaching.