During the persecution of Maximius, in 235, bishops and popes were frequently sent to exile. Pontian was declared pope after the death of Urban I, and was exiled to the mines of Sardinia, in the southern part of Italy.

Hippolytus, meanwhile, was a priest and theologian and a good teacher. He rebelled against two consecutive popes, believing he was the better candidates. He broke away from the church and his followers made him a false pope. But he too was sent to the mines and there met Pontian. He was impressed by the kindness and humility of the true pope and asked to be accepted back into the church. He then gave up his anger and spiritually joined Pontian. There, the two became martyrs for their faith.

Has anyone’s goodness ever make you think about your own life and change a part of it?