Born at Imola, Italy, in 406, St. Peter was baptized, educated, and ordained a deacon by Cornelius, Bishop of Imola. St. Peter merited being called “Chrysologus” (golden-worded) because of his exceptional oratorical eloquence.In 433, Pope Sixtus III consecrated Peter Archbishop of Ravenna. 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.”
The Saint also counseled the heretic Eutyches (who had asked for support) to avoid causing division but to learn from the other heretics who were crushed when they hurled themselves against the Rock of Peter. He died at Imola, Italy, about 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.
PRAYER: God, You made St. Peter Chrysologus an outstanding preacher of Your Incarnate Word. Through his intercession, grant that we may contemplate the Mystery of Your salvation in our heart and faithfully bear witness to it by our deeds. Amen.