Saint Clement

“...Old Clem. This was not a very ceremonious way of rendering homage to a patron saint; but I believe Old Clem stood in that relation toward smiths.” (Page 105)

The historical figure referred to here as “Old Clem” is, in actuality, Saint Clement or, as he was otherwise known, Pope Clement I. Clement was pope from 88 to 97 A.D. He is sometimes referred to as the first Apostolic Father of the Church meaning his papacy took place while the Twelve Apostles were still alive. According to several tales, Clement was banished from Rome. Following his ostracism, he was punished for converting a large number of pagans to Christianity by being tied to an anchor and drowned. Because of this, he is recognized as a martyr. Dickens references Clement because he is also known as the patron saint, a saint who is regarded as the advocate in heaven for a place, craft, class, or person, of blacksmithing which ties perfectly in with Joe Gargery's profession. In a sense, Joe can be considered a martyr, though, on a much smaller scale. He makes multiple sacrifices in order to benefit Pip; for instance, he allows Pip to leave his services to learn to become a gentleman - Joe loses his apprentice for Pip's cause. In many ways, Joe can even be considered saint-like because of his genuine character.

"Saint Clement I (pope) -- Britannica Online Encyclopedia." Encyclopedia - Britannica Online Encyclopedia. Web. 02 Jan. 2010. http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/121001/Saint-Clement-I.

"Patron saint: Definition from Answers.com." Answers.com. Web. 02 Jan. 2010. http://www.answers.com/topic/patron-saint.

Saint Clement. Digital image. Web. 03 Jan. 2010. http://www.orthodoximages.com/images/icons/patrons/dingman/Clement_Ding6x8.jpg.