July 30th - St. Peter Chrysologus

 Today is the memorial of Peter Chrysolugus. Born in 380, Peter was baptized, educated, and ordained a deacon by Cornelius, Bishop of Imola. He was chosen by Pope Sixtus III, who had several visions of Peter Chrysolugus, though he had never met him. In a vision, the pope saw St. Peter, the apostle and St. Appolinaris with Chrysolugus. St. Peter told the Pope, “See this man whom we have chosen and who stands between us. Consecrate him and no other.” The pope consecrated him in 433 archbishop of Ravenna.

St. Peter merited being called "Chrysologus" (golden-worded) from his exceptional oratorical eloquence. He practiced many corporal and spiritual works of mercy, and ruled his flock with utmost diligence and care. He extirpated the last vestiges of paganism and other abuses that had sprouted among his people, cautioning them especially against indecent dancing. "Anyone who wishes to frolic with the devil," he remarked, "cannot rejoice with Christ."

One time, he said to his audience who seemed distracted. “I observe that, as you listen, you are not experiencing fitting compassion…you are passing over…with fleeting attention”.

St. Peter Chrysologus acted completely out of love for Mary and defended Her Perpetual Virginity, may we also defend Mary against those who falsely claim She had other children and we if we turn to Mary, in all our needs, She will give us a share in Her faith and have the courage to be a prophet to others by speaking the truth. He once said, “The Blessed Virgin will give you a share of Her faith, a faith that will remove all concern with sensible and extraordinary things. This faith will be living and animated by love so that you will act entirely out of love.”

He died at Imola, Italy in 450 and in 1729 was made a Doctor of the Church, largely as a result of his simple, practical, and clear sermons which have come down to us, nearly all dealing with Gospel subjects.