Callistus I

Tertullian tore his dalmatic.
Hippolytus had a cow.
Both became schismatic
when Callistus stood the prow.

He had a heart for sinners,
for concubines and such.
His patience with beginners
they found a bit too much.

They fled from the forgiving,
the laxity and taints.
But there’s hope for all us living
if all three died as saints.

—Mike Aquilina

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