Saint Peter Chrysologus

Home , Peter Chrysologus, Pope Sixtus III

Name ______Date ______

Directions: Read the biography and answer the questions.

Saint Peter Chrysologus was born in Imola, Italy in 380. Bishop Cornelius of Imola baptized young Peter and oversaw his education and formation as a deacon and entry into religious life as a monk. The bishop took Peter with him on a trip to Rome in 430, where the monk met Pope Sixtus III. After their introduction, the pope had a vision that inspired him to appoint Saint Peter Chrysologus as the Bishop of Ravenna even though the city hoped to elect another man as their religious leader. Saint Peter Chrysologus did not disappoint. He was a very pious person and earned the admiration of the people of Ravenna and people throughout the Roman Empire including the Roman emperor and his wife. The empress gave him the nickname Chrysologus, which means “golden-worded,” because of his excellent homilies. In fact, he became known as the Doctor of Homilies for his short and inspirational sermons. Saint Peter Chysologus opposed the many heresies of the time and people looked to him to clarify the Church’s teachings about Christ. In 450 he returned to his home of Imola and died leaving behind 176 written homilies that later led him to be named as one of the Doctors of the Church.

1. What does Chrysologus mean and why was Saint Peter given this nickname? ______

2. Why do you think short and inspirational preaching can also work well today? ______

3. What Catholic teaching could you teach in a short and simple way and why? ______