Saint Peter Chrysologus

Saint Peter Chrysologus was bishop of Ravenna in the fifth century, at a time when the city was the capital of the Western Roman Empire. His sermons, delivered in a refined and elegant style, earned him the surname Chrysologus, meaning “golden word.” He is one of the Doctors of the Church, and his memorial falls on July 30.

He was born in Imola, the ancient Forum Cornelii, probably around 380, although the exact year is not known. Little is known about his life, and his own sermons remain the most important source. The upbringing and Christian formation of the young Peter were guided by Cornelius, bishop of Imola, under whose care he entered the clergy. Peter later called him his father, who had begotten him through the Gospel.

He became bishop of Ravenna, but the year of his election is uncertain: sources give dates from 424 to 433. The imperial court resided in Ravenna at that time, and Peter maintained contacts with the Empress Galla Placidia. The Roman Martyrology observes that, having received the name of the Apostle, he fulfilled his office in such a way that with the net of heavenly teaching he drew the crowds into the faith and fed them with the sweetness of God’s word.

Some 180 of his sermons have survived. They are short and concise, spread over the whole liturgical year, and they make it possible to know the ancient order of the celebrations. In them Peter explained Sacred Scripture, the Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, and the mystery of the Incarnation, spoke of Mary and of Saint John the Baptist, and called his listeners to a faith that is sincere and consistent with their lives. The Catechism of the Catholic Church quotes his image of Christ as the bread sown in the Virgin and given to the faithful each day from the altar. In his Message for Lent 2009, Benedict XVI recalled his words that fasting is the soul of prayer and mercy is the lifeblood of fasting.

When Eutyches, condemned by a synod in Constantinople for erroneous teaching about Christ, sought his support, Peter replied that in matters of faith he should listen to the bishop of Rome. He wrote that Saint Peter, who lives and presides in his own see, gives the truth of faith to those who seek it. These words are also quoted in later documents of the Holy See.

He died in his native Imola around 450. The Roman Martyrology records that he passed away on July 31, the day after the day on which his memorial is kept. His tomb is venerated in Imola. He has been venerated as a saint for centuries, and in 1729 Pope Benedict XIII proclaimed him a Doctor of the Church.