Peter was born in the small town of Imola in Italy. He studied under
the guidance of Bishop Cornelius of Imola and was converted to
Christianity. When he was ready, he was ordained as a deacon. Even as
a boy, Peter understood that a person is truly great only if he can
control his passions and put on the spirit of Christ.
In 433, when the archbishop of Ravenna, Italy, died, Pope St. Leo the
Great appointed Peter to take his pace. St. Peter did a very good job
as a priest and bishop. He worked hard to get rid of the belief in
false gods and false teachings that were still practiced by some pagans
in his diocese. And he helped his people grow in faith.
St. Peter soon became a very famous preacher and he was given the
name "Chrysologus" which means "golden word." His sermons or homilies
were all short. He was afraid his audience would get bored. These
sermons were not especially unusual but his beautiful explanations of
the Incarnation, the Creed, the place of Mary and John the Baptist in
the great plan of salvation etc. led him to be named Doctor of the
Church.
His messages were more valuable than gold. He preached with such
enthusiasm and fire that people listened to him breathlessly. In his
sermons, St. Peter urged everyone to receive Jesus often in Holy
Communion. He wanted people to understand that the Body of Christ
should be the daily food for their souls.
This good archbishop also worked for the unity of all the members of
the Catholic Church. He kept the peace by helping people understand
what Catholics believe. St. Peter Chrysologus died on December 2, 450,
in his hometown of Imola, Italy.
Reflection:
We pray today that our hearts may always be open to listen to and
understand the Word of God.
