This observance appears in the catholic calendar with liturgical color green .
Saint Peter Chrysologus was an eloquent 5th-century bishop of Ravenna and Doctor of the Church, renowned for his concise and powerful sermons that expounded on Scripture and moral teachings.
Saint Peter Chrysologus, whose name means 'golden-worded,' served as the Bishop of Ravenna in the 5th century, a city of significant political and religious importance during his time. He was unexpectedly appointed to the see by Pope Sixtus III and became widely acclaimed for his powerful and concise sermons, which earned him the title 'Chrysologus.' His homilies, numbering around 176, are characterized by their brevity, clarity, and deep theological insights, often focusing on the Incarnation, the Virgin Mary, and the lives of saints, serving as a vital source of instruction for his flock. In 1729, he was declared a Doctor of the Church, recognized for his significant contributions to doctrine through his homiletic legacy.
Saint Peter Chrysologus, whose very name, 'Chrysologus,' meaning 'golden-worded,' encapsulates his enduring legacy, was born in Imola, Italy, likely between 380 and 406 AD. Little is known definitively about his early life, but tradition holds that he was educated and ordained by Bishop Cornelius of Imola, a figure who profoundly shaped his intellectual and spiritual formation. From a young age, Peter distinguished himself through his remarkable eloquence and profound grasp of sacred Scripture, talents that would later become the hallmark of his episcopal ministry. His early years were spent in diligent study and prayer, preparing him, perhaps unknowingly, for the significant role he was destined to play in the Church during a tumultuous period of the late Roman Empire.
The trajectory of Peter’s life took an unexpected turn around 433 AD when he was chosen to succeed Bishop John as the head of the See of Ravenna. Ravenna, at that time, was not merely an important city but the capital of the Western Roman Empire, a strategic and politically charged center. The prevailing account of his appointment is steeped in divine providence: it is said that the clergy and people of Ravenna had already elected their preferred candidate, but Pope Sixtus III, guided by a vision or divine inspiration, insisted on Peter. Empress Galla Placidia, a powerful and devout figure who ruled on behalf of her young son Valentinian III, sent a delegation to Rome to confirm the election. Upon meeting Peter, she was so impressed by his holiness and wisdom that she readily accepted the Pope's decision, thus paving the way for his consecrated leadership in the imperial capital.
As Bishop of Ravenna, Peter Chrysologus embraced his pastoral duties with fervent zeal and unwavering dedication. He was not only a spiritual shepherd but also a prominent figure in the imperial court, often advising Empress Galla Placidia and navigating the complex political landscape of the declining Western Roman Empire. Despite the immense secular pressures and responsibilities inherent in his position, Peter remained steadfastly focused on the spiritual welfare of his flock. He dedicated himself to combating the lingering paganism and various heresies, particularly Arianism, which still held sway in some regions. His primary instrument for evangelization and catechesis was the sermon, delivered with such clarity and spiritual power that it earned him his celebrated epithet.
It is through his homilies that Saint Peter Chrysologus truly shines as a Doctor of the Church. Approximately 176 of his sermons have been preserved, offering invaluable insights into the theological and spiritual life of the 5th century. Unlike many of his contemporaries who delivered lengthy and elaborate discourses, Peter’s sermons were remarkably concise, direct, and profound. He possessed a unique ability to expound complex theological truths in simple, accessible language, making them understandable even to the unlettered. His themes were consistently Christ-centered, frequently focusing on the Incarnation, the Virgin Mary's role in salvation, the lives of saints, the Sacraments (especially the Eucharist), and the moral obligations of Christian living. His 'golden words' were not merely rhetorical flourishes but powerful instruments of evangelization and catechesis, designed to build up the faith and virtue of his people.
Beyond his preaching, Saint Peter Chrysologus played a crucial role in upholding orthodox doctrine during a period rife with Christological controversies. His most notable intervention in this regard was his correspondence with Eutyches, the Constantinopolitan archimandrite who was propagating Monophysitism – the heresy that Christ had only one nature, the divine. When Eutyches appealed to various bishops, Peter Chrysologus responded with a letter that firmly advised Eutyches to submit to the authority of the See of Rome. He famously wrote, "We exhort you, honorable brother, to attend obediently to what has been written by the most blessed Pope of the city of Rome; because Saint Peter, who lives and presides in his own see, provides the truth of faith to those who seek it." This bold assertion of papal primacy in matters of faith underscored his commitment to the unity and purity of Christian doctrine.
Saint Peter Chrysologus likely died in Imola, his birthplace, around 450 AD, having returned there for a final visit. His body was interred in the church of Saint Cassian, where his tomb became a site of veneration. His legacy, however, far outlived him. His sermons continued to be studied and admired for their theological depth and homiletic excellence throughout the centuries. In recognition of his profound contributions to Christian doctrine and his exemplary life, Pope Benedict XIII officially declared him a Doctor of the Church in 1729, placing him among the most esteemed theological luminaries. Today, Saint Peter Chrysologus remains a model for preachers and a revered figure whose 'golden words' continue to illuminate the path of faith for generations of believers, emphasizing the centrality of Christ and the vital role of the Church in salvation.
In the bustling city of Ravenna, the heart of the Western Roman Empire, a crisis loomed. The venerable Bishop John had passed to his eternal reward, leaving the imperial see vacant. The clergy and the devout people of Ravenna, eager to have a worthy shepherd, gathered and, after much deliberation, elected a candidate from among their own, one they believed best suited to lead them in those tumultuous times. Confident in their choice, they dispatched a delegation to Rome, to the venerable Pope Sixtus III, seeking his confirmation.
Yet, divine providence often works in mysterious ways, defying human expectations. As the delegation made their plea before the Holy Father, Pope Sixtus III, a man of profound prayer and spiritual insight, was said to have received a vision. In this heavenly manifestation, he saw not the man chosen by Ravenna, but a humble priest from the distant town of Imola, a man named Peter. The divine voice, or perhaps a profound inner conviction, revealed that this Peter was the one truly chosen by God to guide the Church in Ravenna, a man destined to be 'golden-worded' in his proclamation of the truth.
The Pope, firm in his conviction, astonished the Ravenna delegation. He gently but resolutely informed them that their chosen candidate was not God’s will, and instead, he presented them with the name of Peter of Imola, a man utterly unknown to them. Imagine their surprise, perhaps even their dismay! To reject their carefully considered choice for an obscure priest from a small town seemed audacious. Nevertheless, out of obedience and respect for the Apostolic See, they agreed to journey to Imola to meet this Peter.
When the delegation, accompanied by an imperial escort, arrived in Imola, they found Peter not amidst grand ceremonies or scholarly debates, but in simple, humble service. Upon meeting him, and witnessing his profound piety, his unassuming demeanor, and the spiritual wisdom that radiated from him, their initial doubts began to dissipate. The Empress Galla Placidia, a powerful and devout regent who held great sway in Ravenna, was also present, having sent representatives to ensure a suitable bishop. When she beheld Peter, his humility and evident holiness immediately captivated her. She, too, recognized the hand of God in the Pope's seemingly unusual choice.
Thus, against all human expectation, Peter, the humble priest from Imola, was brought to Ravenna. He was consecrated Bishop, not by popular acclamation from his new flock, but by the undeniable will of God, revealed through the successor of Peter. This miraculous and providential election set the stage for a ministry that would indeed be 'golden-worded,' transforming him into the renowned Saint Peter Chrysologus, a Doctor of the Church whose sermons would illuminate the hearts and minds of generations.
5th Century
Today, dearly beloved, the Virgin's womb has become a divine workshop, where, in a mysterious union, the human and the divine are forged. Today, the divine nature, without abandoning its own majesty, has taken upon itself the lowliness of human nature, and the human nature, without losing its own substance, has been raised to the dignity of the divine. Today, God is made man, so that man may be made God. Today, the Word of God, who is in the beginning with God, and who is God, has become flesh and dwelt among us. Today, the Virgin Mary conceived the Son of God, not by the will of man, but by the power of the Holy Spirit. Today, the heavens rejoice, the earth exults, and all creation sings a new song, for its Creator has deigned to become its creature. Today, the ancient curse is removed, the gates of paradise are opened, and the kingdom of heaven is made accessible to all believers. Let us, therefore, with joyful hearts, celebrate this great mystery, and let us strive to imitate the humility of the Virgin, the obedience of the Son, and the love of the Father and the Holy Spirit, so that we too may become partakers of the divine nature. For just as the Word became flesh in Mary, so may He be born in our hearts through faith and charity, transforming us into His own image and likeness. Let us offer to God, not gold or frankincense or myrrh, but the gold of charity, the frankincense of prayer, and the myrrh of mortification, so that we may be worthy to receive the grace of this divine birth in our souls. Amen.
1911
Saint Peter Chrysologus, Bishop, Doctor of the Church. Born at Imola, Italy, about 380; died at the same place, about 450. He was educated and ordained deacon by Cornelius, Bishop of Imola, whom he succeeded as bishop in 433. The people of Ravenna had just lost their bishop, John, and had chosen a successor. But Pope Sixtus III, by a Divine inspiration, rejected the one chosen by the people and selected Peter. When the Pope informed the people of Ravenna of his choice, the Empress Galla Placidia, who lived in Ravenna, approved of the Pope's choice, and Peter was consecrated Bishop of Ravenna. His humility and zeal for souls won him the love of his people and the praise of the whole Church. He was a close friend of the Empress Galla Placidia. He was called Chrysologus, meaning 'golden-worded,' on account of his extraordinary eloquence. He preached to the people with remarkable simplicity and clearness, and his sermons are characterized by brevity and deep theological insight. He frequently preached on the Incarnation, the Virgin Mary, the lives of the saints, the Sacraments, and the moral duties of Christians. His sermons are preserved in a collection of 176 homilies, which have been published several times. In these homilies, he combats the lingering paganism and the Arian heresy. He also gives us a clear insight into the customs and manners of the time. He was a staunch defender of the Holy See, as is shown by his letter to Eutyches, the Constantinopolitan archimandrite, who had appealed to him in 448 from the condemnation of Flavian, Patriarch of Constantinople. Peter Chrysologus advised Eutyches to submit to the authority of the See of Rome, writing: 'We exhort you, honourable brother, to attend obediently to what has been written by the most blessed Pope of the city of Rome; because Saint Peter, who lives and presides in his own see, provides the truth of faith to those who seek it.' He also wrote a letter to the Council of Chalcedon (451) in which he defends the two natures in Christ against the Monophysites. Peter Chrysologus was one of the most prominent bishops of his time. He was declared a Doctor of the Church by Pope Benedict XIII in 1729. His feast day is celebrated on 30 July. His extant works consist of 176 sermons and one letter. The sermons are short but eloquent. They treat principally the great truths of the Incarnation, the articles of the Creed, the Transfiguration, the Eucharist, the Blessed Virgin, St. John the Baptist, and the Apostles. He also preached on the Sunday Gospels, on fasting, prayer, almsgiving, etc. He is a witness to the belief in the Real Presence of Christ in the Holy Eucharist (Sermon 108). His sermons are full of instruction and are well adapted to the wants of the people. His style is clear and concise, and his language is simple and popular. He is called Chrysologus on account of his golden eloquence. He does not use much allegorical interpretation, but prefers the literal sense of the Scriptures. He is well acquainted with the Fathers, especially St. Ambrose and St. Augustine. He is also a witness to the importance of the See of Rome. His letter to Eutyches is a strong testimony to the papal supremacy. He died at Imola, about 450, and was buried in the church of St. Cassian. His feast is celebrated on 30 July. In 1729 Pope Benedict XIII declared him a Doctor of the Church. His works are found in Migne, P.L. LII, 185-666. There is an English translation of some of his sermons in the 'Library of the Fathers,' vol. xvii.