St Peter Chrysologus was born in Imola, which is in the region of Emilia-Romagna, Northern Italy around 380 AD. He became a priest and was consecrated Bishop of Ravenna in 424 by Pope Sixtus III. Ravenna at this time was the capital of the West. He was known as Peter of the Golden Words because of his sermons and teachings, which were full of sound doctrine and moral applications. His sermons were brief, clear and practical, simple and inspiring.
He was a true shepherd in the way he looked after and cared for his flock. He was known for his corporal and spiritual works of mercy. He died in Imola in 450. Pope Benedict XIII made him a doctor of the church in 1729.
From the sermons of St Peter Chrysologus
“And so, Christ is born, that being born He may renew our corrupt nature. He took on Himself childhood, He was reared, He passed through the ages of life, that He might restore the one perfect and enduring age which He has made. He bears human nature lest man still fall. Man, whom He had made an earthly creature, He now has made a heavenly creature, one who was animated by a human spirit He quickens into a divine spirit. Thus, He assumes him wholly into God so that He leaves nothing in him of sin, of death, of toil, of sorrow, of earth. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, now and for ever through the immortal ages”.
Prayer to St Chrysologus
God our Father, through your grace you made St Peter Chrysologus, an authentic preacher of your most adorable Son, Jesus Christ. Through his intercession today, on this his Feast day, help us to contemplate and meditate on the mysteries of the Gospel he so eloquently left us in his sermons and writings. May we faithfully live them as St Peter Chrysologus joyfully did. We make this prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen
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