St Peter Chrysologus (d. 450) bishop of Ravenna
Peter
was bishop of Ravenna (mid 5th century) when the Empress
Galla Placidia living there.
On hearing his homilies she is said to have
given him the name Chrysologus "Golden-worded".
His surviving 176 homilies show what an excellent preacher he was.
A native of Imola
Peter was born at the city
of Imola (30 miles west of Ravenna) and was ordained a deacon there by
its bishop Cornelius. During a visit with his bishop to Rome, Pope
Sixtus III appointed him bishop of Ravenna in 433.
Chrysologus (= "Golden-worded")
As
a preacher Peter was afraid of boring his audience and became famous
for his short, inspiring homilies, 176 of which have survived. He spoke
about the incarnation in simple and clear language.
His homilies are an
indication of how the liturgical year was celebrated and of his stances
against the christological heresies at that time.
The imperial
princess Galla Placidia on hearing his first homily is said to have
given him the name Chrysologus "Golden-worded" and she later became a patron of many of his projects.
Against paganism; for frequent communion
As
bishop Peter was concerned with the survival of paganism.
He preached
especially against the annual carnival, saying: "He who delights in the
devil cannot rejoice in Christ".
But he urged his listeners to have
confidence in the forgiveness offered through Christ.
He was also an
advocate of frequent communion.
A supporter to Pope St Leo I
When Leo I became
pope in 440 Peter became an advisor to him and one of his staunchest
supporters both in opposing the heresies of the time and in defending
the primacy of the Church of Rome.
Friend of Germanus of Auxerre
When Germanus of
Auxerre visited Ravenna to plead the cause of the rebellious Bretons
with the emperor, Peter warmly received him and when he died there Peter
presided at his funeral.
Death and influence
Peter died in 450 while on a
visit to his native Imola.
A contemporary portrait of him exists in the
mosaics of the Church of San Giovanni Evangelista in Ravenna, where he
is depicted among the members of the eastern and western imperial
family, showing his extraordinary influence.
A collection of his 176
homilies was made by Felix, Bishop of Ravenna (707-17).
Peter was
declared a doctor of the Church in 1729.