Sixtus II was Bishop of Rome from 257 until 258, during the persecution of the Emperor Valerian. On August 6, 258, he was seized while celebrating the liturgy in the catacombs and put to death along with several of his deacons; his deacon Lawrence was martyred a few days later. He is among the martyrs named in the Roman Canon of the Mass.
Sixtus remained with his flock and continued to celebrate the sacraments even when doing so meant certain death, showing a shepherd's courage and fidelity. His witness reminds us that faithfulness to Christ is worth more than safety, and that true leadership means self-sacrifice for those entrusted to us.
Almighty God, who gave Pope Saint Sixtus II and his companions the grace to lay down their lives for the faith, grant that we may hold nothing dearer than Christ and serve your people with courageous love. Amen.