Clement I

A fifth-century Italian martyrology lists the death of Clement I, fourth bishop of Rome after St. Peter, as circa 100 CE. Clement may have been a Jewish slave before his baptism, and it's possible that he is the Clement who St. Paul mentions in the fourth chapter of his letter to the Philippians. One colorful story describes how Roman authorities banished Clement to the unforgiving salt mines in the Crimea. There he managed to convert many of the guards and his fellow prisoners. As punishment the Romans tied Clement to an anchor and threw him into the Black Sea. Some time later, according to this legend, the waters receded and revealed a beautiful tomb built by angels. Today the Basilica of San Clemente in Rome is a popular stop for tourists and pilgrims.

Sources: Boyle, Leonard. St. Clement’s Rome. Rome: Collegio San Clemente. 1989.