Sixtus II was seized while celebrating the liturgy with the faithful in a Roman catacomb during Valerian's persecution. He was executed at once with the deacons beside him, and the deacon Lawrence followed days later.
Life
Pope Saint Sixtus II became pope in 257. He is remembered as a gentle shepherd who worked to ease tensions between the churches of Rome and Africa over the question of baptism and to restore unity.
Emperor Valerian, however, issued an edict ordering the execution of clergy. On August 6, 258, Pope Sixtus was seized while celebrating the liturgy and teaching the faithful in the Catacomb of Callixtus in Rome, and he was put to death on the spot together with the deacons who were with him. This is reported in a letter by his contemporary Saint Cyprian, bishop of Carthage. A few days later his deacon Saint Lawrence was also martyred.
Spirituality
Pope Sixtus II's spirituality is a gentleness that builds unity and a shepherd's courage to stay with his flock to the end. Even under persecution he did not abandon the place where he prayed with the faithful, and there, in the liturgy, he gave his life to Christ. His sacrifice gave great strength to the persecuted Church.
Reflection
Pope Sixtus was martyred while praying with the faithful in the catacombs. Today, when we can attend Mass freely, how much do I treasure that grace?