Which Alexander is in the Roman Canon?
Question from Alexander on 5/10/2008:
Dear Mr. Bunson,
I was wondering if you knew exactly which "St. Alexander" is the one mentioned in the Roman Canon of the Mass. I've looked up several saints with the name Alexander, all of whom lived before about 500 AD, but I haven't yet been able to conclude which saint is the one referred to in the Canon. Thank you very much!
-Alexander
Answer by Matthew Bunson on 5/11/2008:
Readers are free to correct me, but I believe that the Alexander in question is Pope St. Alexander I, a pontiff of the first century, the fifth successor to St. Peter from approximately 105-115 or 109-119. Alexander followed St. Evaristus and was most likely martyred by decapitation during the reign of Trajan or Hadrian. He is credited with introducing holy water. His feast day is May 3.
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