Episode 1879: St. Gabinus of Rome

St. Gabinus of Rome, whose feast day is celebrated today, February 19th, is associated with two important figures in early Christianity: his daughter, St. Susanna, and his brother, Pope Caius. Though details of his life remain shrouded in some uncertainty, here's what we know:

Family and Faith:

Tradition holds that Gabinus was a Roman citizen, possibly even related to the Emperor Diocletian.
He had a daughter named Susanna, known for her piety and refusal to renounce her faith.
His brother, Pope Caius, led the Church from 283 to 296 AD.

Conversion and Martyrdom:
Accounts vary, but some suggest Gabinus initially followed traditional Roman religion. He may have witnessed or even influenced Susanna's unwavering faith, leading to his own conversion to Christianity.

Following the Diocletianic Persecution, a violent suppression of Christians, both Susanna and Gabinus refused to offer sacrifices to pagan gods.

Death and Legacy:
In 296 AD, both Susanna and Gabinus were martyred, likely beheaded, for their steadfast faith. Their remains are venerated in various locations, including the Church of Santa Susanna in Rome, where Gabinus owned a home.
St. Gabinus is remembered as a courageous defender of faith, even facing family ties to the emperor.

Faithful family: The narrative emphasizes the unity of faith within a family, even amidst differing social positions.

Power of conviction: St. Gabinus' conversion reflects the transformative power of personal beliefs, potentially sparked by witnessing another's unwavering faith.
Defiance against authority: The stories portray him as an exemplary figure who defied authority and pressure to remain true to his beliefs.