Feast day of St. Marcellus: January 16th
When did St. Marcellus live: in the third and fourth century
Biography:
Marcellus lived in the period of persecution of Christians by Diocletian. He was elected pope in 307 and succeeded Marcellinus. Apparently, he put great effort in the reorganisation of the Church but is said to having been very severe with those who had lapsed under the persecutions of Christians. This is why he was banished from Rome in 309 under Emperor Maxentius. According to the legend, he was forced to work on the farms of the Emperor. He died shortly after leaving Rome and was venerated as a martyr and saint.
Patronage: St. Marcellus is patron saint of the stablemen
Statues and wooden sculptures representing St. Marcellus - portrayal, imagery and emblem: St. Marcellus is shown as bishop of Rome with miter, crosier, book and a nativity scene at his feet.