13 August - Pontien is the 18th Bishop of Rome. Of Roman origin and the son of a man named Calpurnius, he occupied the episcopal see of St. Peter for five years, two months and 22 days.

The only historical facts attested to are the synod he convened in Rome in 231 to approve the condemnation of Origen by Demetrius, Bishop of Alexandria. Pontien had to face the schism of Hippolit of Rome, which began under Calixtus I, to which the philosopher reproached his "laxity" towards the repentant.

The accession to the throne of Emperor Maximin the Thracian in March 235 marked the beginning of a new persecution against Christians: Pontien and Hippolite - his opponent and antipope - were deported to Sardinia to work as convicts in salt mines. Pontien renounced his episcopal see on 28 September 235 to allow the election of a new bishop. It is probable that Ippolitus renounced his challenge at the same time. Indeed, the two men seem to have been reconciled during their joint deportation. The common martyrdom reconciled them.

Pontien died shortly after October 29 or 30, 235, probably from ill-treatment. Fabien, one of his successors, had his body repatriated from Sardinia, where he was exiled, as well as that of Hippolytus in 236 or 237. He was buried on the same day as Hippolytus on 13 August 236 in the catacomb of St. Calixte.

Message from the Bishops at the end of the Pilgrimage

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, You who have come in such large numbers to take part in this national pilgrimage, as well as all of you who are following it from home through the media. We, the bishops of Madagascar, would like to express our deep gratitude to you for having responded to our invitation and for having brought this jubilee initiated by Pope Francis to life spiritually. With you, we take up Mary's song: ‘My soul exalts the Lord’ and we repeat with her: ‘What shall I repay the Lord for all the good he has done me?’....

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Love and Salvation

Christmas is a great joy, because it is the love of God that has come to us, proclaims Fr. Bizimana Innocent, Provincial Superior of the Salesians Don Bosco of Madagascar and Mauritius, presenting his Christmas greetings. Salvation is accomplished, so life is not in danger of disappearing. It is this love and this salvation that we wish to fill our life so that we have peace.

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Zatti, our brother

The short film "Zatti, our brother" (Argentina, 2020) focuses on one of the most difficult episodes of his life. We are in Viedma, in 1941: at the age of 60, Zatti is forced to leave the hospital he has attended for decades. His faith and strength are tested.

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