Feastday: January 20
When did St. Fabian live: in the third century
Biography of St. Fabian:
Fabian was a layman from the country who left his farm to go to Rome where people were preparing the election of a new pope. A church historian called Eusebius said that a dove landed on Fabian's head, which was a sign that he should become the new pope. Fabian led the Roman Church for 14 years. He died a martyr's death due to the persecution of Decius in 250 A.D. and was buried in the catacombs of St. Callistus where his grave can still be seen.
Patronage: He is patron saint of the hydraulics and the Italian towns Valsinni, Montottone and Fiamignano.
Statues and wooden sculptures made in Val Gardena representing St. Fabian - portrayal, symbolism and emblem: St. Fabian is shown as a pope wearing the papal gown, the tiara and the papal ferula. There is a sword at his feet and a book on which there is a dove.