Saint Peter Chrysologus

Peter was born around 380 in Imola, in northern Italy, and was ordained a deacon by the local bishop, Cornelius, who formed him in the faith. Around 433 he was chosen bishop of Ravenna, then the capital of the Western Roman Empire, where he enjoyed the support of the Empress Galla Placidia.

As bishop he worked to root out remaining pagan practices, built churches and cared for his people as a devoted pastor. He became famous for his preaching: about 180 of his sermons survive, brief, clear and full of warmth, explaining the Gospels, the Creed and the Lord's Prayer, and especially the mystery of the Incarnation. Later generations called him Chrysologus, "golden word." In 449 he wrote to the monk Eutyches urging him to accept the teaching of Pope Leo the Great on Christ's two natures. He died in his native Imola around 450 and was declared a Doctor of the Church in 1729.

Imola and Ravenna honor him as one of their great pastors; his relics are venerated in the cathedral of Imola. Preachers and catechists look to him as a model of speaking about God simply, briefly and beautifully.