Catholic saint biography
St. Onesiphorus
- Commemoration:
- September 6
- Lived:
- 1st century — Ephesus; Rome
September 6 is a Catholic commemoration recorded by Nominis. This daily reading does not determine the Mass or liturgical rank; local calendars and higher-ranking celebrations can differ.
Why dates and liturgical observances can differ
Read the sources for this biography
Biography
Onesiphorus is a Christian remembered in the Second Letter to Timothy for supporting Paul. The letter describes his encouragement and his willingness to seek Paul out in Rome rather than distance himself from a prisoner. It also recalls service at Ephesus and includes a greeting to his household.
The Catholic commemoration on September 6 draws on this scriptural portrait. It gives a concrete picture of faithful friendship: someone crossed the barrier of shame attached to imprisonment to offer help. Later descriptions of his martyrdom should be distinguished from what the letter itself records. The biblical evidence supplies the foundation of this biography without requiring a detailed reconstruction of his later life.
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What will you carry with you?
After reading about St. Onesiphorus, take a moment to consider:
- Which event or decision in this life stood out to you?
- What virtue would you like to understand or practice more deeply?
- What small action could you take today in response?
These are reflection prompts from Saint Discovery, not quotations from the saint.
Sources and further reading
- Nominis — Catholic Church in France: Onesiphorus ↗
- USCCB NABRE: 2 Timothy 1 ↗
- USCCB NABRE: 2 Timothy 4 ↗
Biography source comparison recorded on . This is an AI-assisted comparison, not independent human or ecclesiastical approval.
What the recorded review covers
Individual Catholic institutional source review; original concise factual summary. Checked against all existing canonical directory identities and aliases. Individual person, not a group or an observance; original English biography written from the linked Catholic sources.
A source list helps you check an account; it does not establish that every claim is certain. Follow the biography’s qualifications about historical evidence, traditions and feast calendars.
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