St. Evaristus succeeded St. Anacletus in the see of Rome during the reign of Trajan. He governed the Church nine years and passed away in 112.
The institution of cardinal priests is ascribed to St. Evaristus since he divided Rome into several parishes and assigned a priest to each. He also appointed seven deacons to attend the bishop.
Evaristus conferred holy orders thrice during the month of December. The ceremony was usually performed in seasons appointed for fasting and prayer.