St. Leo the Great
Pope St. Leo the Great was an Italian of noble birth. In his youth, he applied himself to his studies, especially in the study of scripture and theology. He was ordained to the priesthood and was known to be very eloquent in his writings and in his sermons. In 440, Pope Sixtus III died, and Leo was elected to the Papacy. In exercising the office of pope, Leo did not hold back any of his talents or any of the tools of sanctity, learning, prudence and eloquence, which he had developed, from the use of God.
During his reign, which exceeded twenty years, he battled the heresies of Pelagianism, Manichaeism, and helped the faithful strengthen their love of God. As a leader of Rome, Leo led its defense against a barbarian attack. And as the pastor of all Catholics, he reached out to the Church in the East to help settle areas of doctrinal controversy.
During his lifetime, and especially during his reign as pope, Leo wrote many letters and sermons encouraging and teaching his flock. Many of these writings still exist today, and it is for these writings and his sermons that Leo is a Doctor of the Church. Leo died around the year 461.
Born: c.400 at Tuscany, Italy
Died: 11 April 461 at Rome, Italy
Readings
Virtue is nothing without the trial of temptation, for there is no conflict without an enemy, no victory without strife.
Pope Saint Leo the Great
Although the universal Church of God is constituted of distinct orders of members, still, in spite of the many parts of its holy body, the Church subsists as an integral whole, just as the Apostle says: "We are all one in Christ," nor is anyone separated from the office of another in such a way that a lower group has no connection with the head. In the unity of faith and baptism, our community is then undivided. There is a common dignity as the apostle Peter says in these words: "And you are built up as living stones into spiritual houses, a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices which are acceptable to God through Jesus Christ." And again: "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of election."
For all, regenerated in Christ, as made kings by the sign of the cross. They are consecrated priests by the oil of the Holy Spirit, so that beyond the special service of our ministry as priests, all spiritual and mature Christians know that they are a royal race and are sharers in the office of the priesthood. For what is more king-like than to find yourself ruler over your body after having surrendered your soul to God? And what is more priestly than to promise the Lord a pure conscience and to offer him in love unblemished victims on the altar of one's heart?
from a sermon by Pope Saint Leo the Great
God decreed that all nations should be saved in Christ.
Dear friends, now that we have received instruction in this revelation of God's grace, let us celebrate with spiritual joy the day of our first harvesting, of the first calling of the Gentiles. Let us give thanks to the merciful God, "who has made us worthy," in the words of the Apostle, "to share the position of the saints in light; who has rescued us from the power of darkness, and brought us into the kingdom of this beloved Son."
This came to be fulfilled, as we know, from the time when the star beckoned the three wise men out of their distant country and led them to recognize and adore the King of heaven and earth. The obedience of the star calls us to imitate its humble service: to be servants, as best we can, of the grace that invites all men to find Christ.
from a sermon by Pope Saint Leo the Great
Writings
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