Memorial of Saints (July 31)

St. Ignatius of Loyola was converted from a worldly career to a life of holiness in Christ after he was wounded seriously in battle in 1521 A.D. Upon recuperating at his family's castle, he read books on the Lives of the Saints and a Life on Christ. This reading inspired him deeply that he searched more into the spiritual life. From his spiritual experiences, he wrote a guidebook on meditation called "The Spiritual Exercises". This was to be instrumental in his obtaining followers, and founding of the Jesuit Order. Through his leadership, the Jesuits influenced much of Europe and the rest of the world. The Jesuits evangelized many people in their missions and educated leaders through their education system. St. Ignatius spent the rest of his years in Rome, where he directed the members of the Order (died ca. 1556 A.D.).

St. Neot was a monk at Glastorbury, England. He was ordained a cleric and decided to become a hermit in Cornwall (which is now known as St. Neot). Because of his exemplary life of holiness, his relative, King Alfred, went to visit him to seek his advice. Nothing else is known about St. Neot's life except that he was the reason Cornwall, England came to be known as St. Neot (died ca. 880 A.D.).

St. Helen of Skövde was a Swedish noblewoman who gave her possessions to the poor upon the death of her husband. She then made a pilgrimage to Rome, but upon her return to Sweden, she was accused of the death of her son-in-law. Though she was executed for a crime she never committed, it was later discovered that her son-in-law had been murdered by his own servants. Miracles were reported to have numerously happened at her tomb (died ca. 1160 A.D.).

St. Germanus of Auxerre studied in Gallic schools and pursued a legal profession in Rome. In 418 A.D., he was named bishop of Auxerre. Upon his ascent to the episcopate, he led a holy life and worked for the good of his diocese. St. Germanus was a strong defender of the Church against the Pelagian heresy. And aside from combatting this heresy, he also had to contend with hostile groups like the Picts, the Saxons and other savage tribes (died ca. 448 A.D.).

St. Justin de Jacobis joined the Vincentians and was ordained. He served as local superior in Lecce before he was sent to the Catholic mission at Adua, Ethiopia. Though he had difficulties at first, he was able to meet the Pope in Rome. After the meeting with the Pope, St. Justin founded a college and seminary in his mission. By 1853 A.D., there were some five thousand Catholic Ethiopians. However, in 1860 A.D., a new king launched a persecution against the Catholics. St. Justin was arrested. After months in prison, he was released and was able to find his way to Eritrea, where he spent his last years (died ca. 1860 A.D.).

St. Peter Chrysologus: Bishop and Doctor of the Church

St. Peter Chrysologus, Bishop and Doctor, ca. 406-450 A.D.

"The golden-worded"

Like St. John Chrysostom, who earned the surname "Chrysostom", which means "golden tongue", St. Peter Chrysologus also earned his surname "Chrysologus", which means "the golden-worded" or "golden-speaker", because of his great eloquence and preaching abilities.

Born at Imola and chosen bishop of Ravenna

St. Peter was born at Imola, Emilia, in Italy and studied Sacred Theology under Bishop Cornelius of Imola - who also ordained him as deacon. St. Peter's election as bishop of Ravenna was a surprise and founded on legend. The story goes like this. The people of Ravenna have already elected their bishop. However, Pope St. Sixtus III refused the one elected by the people and instead chose St. Peter Chrysologus. This was because of a vision the Pope had of St. Appolinarius (first bishop of Ravenna), who told him to choose Peter Chrysologus. That was the legend.

In his position then as bishop of Ravenna, St. Peter set out to reform his diocese and free it from paganism. His first sermon impressed the Empress Galla Placidia so much that she gave her all out support for Peter's ambitious building projects.

St. Peter Chrysologus' sermons

The homilies of St. Peter were short; he did not want to tire his listeners. But his sermons were greatly known as being powerful that he was named Doctor of the Church by Pope Benedict XIII in 1729 A.D. Peter's sermons were collected by Bishop Felix of Ravenna in the eighth century. There are about one hundred seventy-six of these existing today. They cover biblical texts, the Apostles' Creed, sermons on the Blessed Virgin and other themes. Though these written sermons cannot indicate the intensity and fervor by which he preached and delivered them, there are of him preaching with such vehemence that he became speechless at certain times because of great excitement.

Feast day is July 30

In ca. 450 A.D., Peter received a revelation of his approaching death and decided to return to his home town in Imola. He died at Imola on July 31 and his feast is celebrated as an optional memorial in the Church's liturgical calendar every July 30.

His Lenten sermon and teaching

Probably one of his best sermons is the Lenten sermon he composed about prayer, fasting, and mercy. This Lenten sermon of St. Peter Chrysologus is also found in the non-biblical section of readings at the back pages of the breviary. What St. Peter says in this Lenten sermon is simple, but when applied to one's Christian life, is powerfully effective. He says in this sermon:


"There are three things, my brethren, by which faith stands firm, devotion remains constant, and virtue endures. They are prayer, fasting, and mercy. Prayer knocks at the door, fasting obtains, mercy receives. Prayer, fasting and mercy: these three are one, and they give life to each other."

Related resources:

• Dictionary of Saints, by John J. Delaney


• "A Year with the Saints" by Don Bosco Press, Inc.


• "Doctors of the Church" by Fink


• "Saints for Our Time" by Ransom