Feast Day: January 4 (Traditional Roman Calendar)
Patronage: Crete; invoked for strength in preaching and missionary zeal
Early Life and Conversion
Saint Titus was a Gentile of Greek origin, born likely in the first half of the 1st century. According to the early Fathers, he was a native of Crete and well-versed in Hellenic philosophy and poetry. Providence prepared him to receive the Gospel with a docile and fervent heart. Converted by Saint Paul, he became one of the Apostle’s most faithful disciples and companions. He is described by Paul as “my beloved son” (Titus 1:4), indicating a spiritual paternity and a close bond forged in the mission of the Gospel.
Importantly, unlike Timothy, Titus was not circumcised, a fact that Saint Paul refers to in Galatians 2:3 as part of his defense of the liberty of the Gospel against Judaizing influences. His presence at the Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15) and his role in early missionary work suggest he was highly trusted.
Missionary Labors
Titus accompanied Saint Paul on several of his apostolic journeys. He was sent on difficult missions, including:
- To Corinth, to reconcile the faithful there and deliver Paul’s severe letter of rebuke (2 Cor. 7:6-16). His success in restoring order and peace in the Corinthian Church is a testament to his prudence and zeal.
- To Crete, where Paul left him to organize the local church, ordain priests, and correct abuses (Titus 1:5). Here, he served as the first bishop of the island, establishing ecclesiastical structure in a land marked by moral laxity, as Paul famously remarks, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, slothful gluttons” (Titus 1:12).
Epistle to Titus
Saint Paul’s Epistle to Titus, one of the three Pastoral Epistles, is a crucial source for his hagiography. It is rich in pastoral instruction:
- The need for sound doctrine.
- Qualifications for bishops and presbyters.
- Admonitions for all classes of the faithful (young, old, men, women, slaves).
- The importance of good works as evidence of true faith.
Paul concludes the epistle with warm affection, urging Titus to meet him at Nicopolis (Titus 3:12), where they may winter together.
Later Years and Death
According to tradition, Titus remained as bishop of Crete into old age, laboring faithfully until his death. He is said to have died in peace, a confessor rather than a martyr, sometime near the end of the 1st century.
His relics were venerated in Crete and later brought to Venice, where devotion to him continued during the Middle Ages.
Legacy and Veneration
- Saint Titus is honored in both East and West.
- In the Traditional Roman Rite, his feast is kept on January 4, shared with Saint Timothy in some older martyrologies.
- The Eastern Church commemorates him on August 25.
Spiritual Lessons from Saint Titus
- Fidelity to Apostolic Tradition: Titus exemplifies the obedient and faithful disciple who safeguards the doctrine received from the Apostles.
- Pastoral Zeal: His ability to resolve disputes and restore peace in Corinth and organize the Church in Crete shows the fruit of pastoral wisdom and charity.
- Strength in Gentile Mission: As a Greek convert, he prefigures the universality of the Church and her mission to the nations.
- Humility in Service: Though not an Apostle, he is entrusted with apostolic tasks, and serves not with ambition, but with obedience.
Suggested Devotion
- Read the Epistle of Saint Paul to Titus, meditating especially on Titus 2:11–14: “For the grace of God our Saviour hath appeared to all men; Instructing us, that, denying ungodliness and worldly desires, we should live soberly and justly and godly in this world…”
- Pray for pastors and bishops, that they might have the fidelity and wisdom of Saint Titus.
- Consider invoking Saint Titus in times of ecclesial confusion, or when desiring clarity and strength in holding fast to Catholic truth.