Saint Marcus-Pope

Catholic Saint

Feast Day : October 7

Also known as: Mark

Nothing has come down to us concerning the early life of Marcus. He was a Roman priest and may have served as first deacon under Pope St. Sylvester, whom he succeeded in the Chair of St. Peter on January 18, 336. Marcus is said to have invested the bishop of Ostia with the pallium and ordained that he consecrate the pope upon taking office, though this is historically uncertain. Marcus certainly enjoyed the continuing support of Emperor Constantine the Great, who provided land and liturgical furniture for two new churches San Marco in Rome and another, which was constructed over the Catacombs of St. Balbina. Marcus died on October 7, 336, after only 10 months in office, and was buried in the Catacomb of St. Balbina. His grave was on the itinerary of seventhcentury pilgrimages.