St. Peter Chrysologus

Their story

Peter was born around 380 in Imola, in northern Italy. He was baptized, educated and ordained a deacon by the bishop of his hometown, Cornelius, whom he loved as a father. Around 433 he was made bishop of Ravenna, which was then the capital of the Western Roman Empire. The empress Galla Placidia admired him and supported his work. Peter was a gifted preacher, and he became known as Chrysologus, which means "golden word." His sermons were short, simple and powerful, because he did not want to tire his listeners. About 180 of them survive. He preached about the Incarnation, the Creed, the Lord's Prayer and the mercy of God, and he encouraged his people to receive the Eucharist often. He also worked to root out pagan customs that lingered in his diocese and cared for the poor. Peter defended the true faith about Christ at a time of controversy, urging others to follow the teaching of the pope. As he felt death approaching, he returned to Imola, where he died around 450. In 1729 he was declared a Doctor of the Church. His short, heartfelt sermons remind preachers that the Gospel is best proclaimed with clarity and love.