St Callistus

Callistus was a slave in Rome; his master trusted him and liked him a lot and so he made him the Manager of his Bank.  When the Bank lost all its money, Callistus was blamed and was punished by being sent to a prison where he had to work very hard all day long.  He was released to try to get some of the money back for the Bank, but when he got into a fight he was put back into prison where he had to work in a mine.  Callistus was in prison with many Christians and, when some of these Christians were released, Callistus accidently got released, too.  He was sent away with some money and was told not to return to Rome.  When Pope Zephyrinus became Pope, he asked Callistus to come back to Rome to help him fight against the wrong teachings of the Church that were starting to spread.  Callistus helped the Pope understand which teachings were true and which were wrong.  Callistus did such a great job that, when Pope Zephyrinus died, Callistus was made the new Pope.  As Pope, Callistus helped the Church love all people - even those who were poor, slaves, and sinners.  He also helped spread the Gospel all over the world, just as Jesus had wanted.  He made sure that the Church showed everyone God’s mercy and love and welcomed anyone that wanted forgiveness and wanted to know Jesus.  St. Callistus died a martyr for his faith in Jesus.