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Italian nobility. Strong
student, especially in scripture and theology. Priest. Eloquent writer and
homilist.
Pope from 440 to 461 during the time of the invasion of Attila the Hun.
When Attila marched on Rome, Leo went out to meet him and pleaded for
leave. As Leo spoke, Attila saw the vision of a man in priestly robes,
carrying a bare sword, and threatening to kill the invader if he did not
obey Pope Leo. As Leo had a great devotion to Saint Peter, it is generally
believed the first pope was the visionary opponent to the Huns. When
Genseric invaded Rome, Leo's sanctity and eloquence saved the city again.
Called the Council of Chalcedon to condemn heresies of the day. Fought
Nestorianism, Monophysitism, Manichaeism, and Pelagianism. Built churches.
Wrote letters and sermons encouraging and teaching his flock, many of
which survive today; it is for these writings that Leo was proclaimed a
Doctor of the Church in 1574.
Born: c.400 at Tuscany, Italy
Died: 11 April 461 at Rome, Italy
Readings
Peter has spoken by the mouth of Leo.
- Council of Chalcedon
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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
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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
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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
source:
http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/saintl04.htm
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