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Novatus

Novatus was an early Christian saint, the son of Pudens and brother to the martyr Timotheus, Pudentiana, and Praxedes. He is associated with the Roman senatorial family of Quintus Cornelius Pudens, a convert of Saint Peter. A portion of the modern Santa Pudenziana church may be part of a palace or baths built by Novatus.

Feast Day
20 June
Country Or Region
Italy

Key Facts

  • Novatus died around 151 AD.
  • His feast day is celebrated on June 20th.
  • He was the son of Pudens and brother to Timotheus, Pudentiana, and Praxedes.
  • His paternal grandfather, Quintus Cornelius Pudens, was a Roman senator and an early convert of Saint Peter.
  • The structure of the modern church of Santa Pudenziana might include parts of a palace or baths built by Novatus.
  • The 5th-century church historian Philostorgius stated Novatus was of Phrygian descent.
Death Year
c. 151
Venerated In
Role Type

About Novatus

Saint Novatus

Saint Novatus was an early Christian figure who lived in Rome and died around 151 AD. His significance is largely derived from his prominent family connections within the early Roman Christian community.

Life and Historical Context

Novatus was the son of Pudens and the brother of the martyr Timotheus, as well as Saints Pudentiana and Praxedes. His paternal grandfather, Quintus Cornelius Pudens, was a Roman senator who, along with his wife Priscilla, became one of the earliest converts of the Apostle Peter in Rome. It is recorded that Peter resided in the Pudens family home during his time in the city.

According to the 5th-century church historian Philostorgius, Novatus was of Phrygian descent. A notable architectural connection exists with the modern church of Santa Pudenziana in Rome, a portion of which is thought to be part of the senatorial palace or the baths constructed by Novatus.

Veneration

Saint Novatus's feast day is observed on June 20th. He is venerated as a confessor within the Catholic Church.

Source: Wikipedia ↗

Frequently Asked Questions

When did Saint Novatus live?

Saint Novatus lived in the early Christian period and died around 151 AD. His feast day is observed on June 20th.

Who were Saint Novatus's family members?

Novatus was the son of Pudens and the brother of the martyr Timotheus, as well as Pudentiana and Praxedes. His paternal grandfather was the Roman senator Quintus Cornelius Pudens, who was an early convert of Saint Peter.

What is Saint Novatus known for in connection with architecture?

A portion of the modern church of Santa Pudenziana in Rome is thought to be part of a senatorial palace or baths that were built by Novatus. This links him to significant early Christian structures in the city.

What is Saint Novatus's ethnic background according to historical accounts?

According to the 5th-century church historian Philostorgius, Novatus was of Phrygian descent.