Biography
“Thus it is that God, by loving us, restores us to His image, and, in order that He may find in us the form of His goodness, He gives us that whereby we ourselves too may do the work that He does, kindling that is the lamps of our minds, and inflaming us with the fire of His love, that we may love not only Himself, but also whatever He loves.” [1] Pope St. Leo the Great lived in the 5th century. Little is known of his early life prior to his serving as a deacon in the Roman Church. As Pope, he enhanced the prestige and power of the papacy and increased its influence beyond Italy. Politically, he dissuaded Attila the Hun from invading Italy as well as helped victims when the Vandals looted Rome in 455. Theologically, he is remembered for issuing the Tome to Flavian. It was very influential at the Council of Chalcedon, the fourth ecumenical council, which addressed the dual nature of Christ. He was a proficient writer, composing 143 letters and over 96 sermons which add insight into the ecclesiastical practices of the time as well as speak in clear theological language. He was declared a Doctor of the Church in 1754 by Benedict XIV. [2][3][4] Written by Sarah Ciotti Reviewed by Fr. Hugh Feiss, OSB, STD [1] St. Leo the Great, “Sermon XII,” in Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathes, ed. Phillip Schaff, 364, www.ccel.org. [2] Catholicpedia: The Original Catholic Encyclopedia (1917) for iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch. s.v. “Pope St. Leo I (the Great).” [3] F.L. Cross and E.A. Livingstone, The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (London: Oxford University Press, 1974), 812. [4] Fr. Hugh Feiss, OSB, The Martyrology of the Monastery of the Ascension, 2008. Thank you for praying with us. If you feel called, your Lenten offering helps carry this prayer to more hearts and languages. Contribute now