Bishop and Doctor of the Church
Feast day: Jul 30
St. Peter Chrysologus was born in 380 in Imola, Italy, and was baptized, educated, and ordained a deacon by Cornelius, Bishop of Imola. The Greek word Chrysologus means "golden speech." He was honored as a Doctor of the Church in 1729 and is known as the "Doctor of Homilies" for the succinct yet deeply philosophical comments he delivered while serving as the Bishop of Ravenna.
He exterminated the last traces of paganism and other abuses among his people. He also advised the heretic Eutyches to avoid causing division and instead learn from the other heretics who were crushed when they hurled themselves against Peter's Rock.
His brief sermons emphasize fundamental Christian doctrines and Christian duties in accordance with the needs and ideals of the times.
St. Peter Chrysologus died in 450, one year before the Church's official condemnation of monophysitism. He is credited with writing approximately 176 surviving homilies, which contributed to his later designation as a Doctor of the Church.
The Catholic Church honors Saint Peter Chrysologus on July 30 for his brave testimony to Christ's complete humanity and divinity amid a time of theological turmoil in the Church.
0 Comments