In the 5th century, the capital of the Holy Roman Empire in the West was Ravenna, not Rome. And one of the most distinguished archbishops the See of Ravenna had was St. Peter Chrysologus. He was Bishop of Ravenna from about 433 until his death in 450. The highlights of his bishopric were his flair for preaching, a firm determination, and loyalty to the Church not only in terms of its teaching but its authority as well, all of which stood him in good stead in the face of rampant pagan abuses, including the monophysitism of Eutyches.
Peter shepherded Ravenna with rare zeal, urging his flock to partake of the Eucharist more frequently. He coined his famous quote against the riotous New Year celebrations: "He who amuses himself with Satan cannot rejoice with Christ!" His writings and sermons, some 176 of which are still in existence, contain no great originality of thought yet are sound in doctrine and full of moral applications for daily living. The authenticity of the content in Peter's sermons earned him the title of Doctor of the Church from Pope Benedict XIII in 1729.
St Peter Chrysologus said, "Clothe yourself with the garment of sanctity, gird yourself with the cincture of chastity: let Christ be the covering of your head; let the Cross of Christ be the protection for your face; instill in your breast the sacrament of divine wisdom, let the odor of your prayers always ascend upon high." His attitude towards learning gave substance to his exhortations and made all the difference; his words changed those who listened, and, in time, he came to be called "Chrysologus," i.e., "Golden Worded."
St. Peter Chrysologus, pray that we strive hard and work tirelessly for the Kingdom of God.
Jonathan Fabian Ginunggil,
Most High Servant,
Jesus, Mary, Joseph Ministry of Love
(Blessed and Saints and the Nine Choirs of Angels)
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