Michael a Ponzio

Saint Pontianus Michael a Ponzio

The Fighting Saints of Rome

On the back streets of Rome in 235 AD, Pontianus, the Bishop of Rome, the Pope, is forced to defend himself and fight street battles with the followers of the anti-pope, Hippolytus. As a youth Pontianus had used his shepherd's staff to fend off wolves in the foothills of the Alps, but now he is reluctant to fight fellow Christians. He is married, as were St. Peter and several early popes. His wife, Maria grew up on the dangerous streets and does not let her husband fight alone. Maria is just as strong minded in her faith and is one of many women in early Christianity who were leaders in the Church of Rome.
Among Pontianus's faithful disciples is Pontius Marcellus, the son of a Roman Senator. Marcellus converts the Roman Emperor Philippus and many other notable Roman citizens to Christianity. He gives his possessions to the poor and devotes himself to good works.
In Sicily, a fisherman sells his catch in Catania and exults in spreading the Good News at the fish market and the chariot races. His name is also Pontius.
And in North Africa, both Deacon Pontius and Cyprianus, the Bishop of Carthage, are sent into exile when they refuse to pray to the emperor.
The novel is a story about these men, all canonized as saints in the Catholic Church for their faith and sacrifices. From laymen and laywomen to deacons and deaconesses and to the Pope, they all fought for their truths. They were the fighting saints of Rome.
For each novel in the Lover of the Sea series, the story is complete and can be read alone. However, characters of the novels are connected across generations.