(d.296) There is not much reliable information about Caius, but he may have been of Roman nobility and a relative of Emperor Diocletian. He was pope during 13 years of relative peace. One legend tells of Pope Caius hiding in the catacombs for years, and other stories place him in hiding in the house of Saint Castulus alongside Saints Polycarp and Sebastian. These saints were contemporaries, but Caius reportedly died seven years before the Diocletian persecutions began.
A consistent theme in the lives of the saints we have little reliable information about is that they exist in community with other saints, and they persevere in the truth of the Gospel. You don’t have to be in the limelight; you don’t have to leave your mark on history to be known and loved by God. Do you believe that you can be a saint, even while living a quiet life?
“But even if you should suffer because of righteousness, blessed are you. Do not be afraid or terrified with fear of them, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts. Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope” (1 Peter 3:14-15).
Reflection by Brad Farmer