St Eusebius of Vercelli
Today we celebrate the feast day of St. Eusebius of Vercelli. St. Eusebius was born on the isle of Sardinia, and he was able to become a member of the Roman clergy, and during his life he was able to be recorded as the first bishop of Vercelli in Piedmont which in northwest Italy. St. Eusebius was also one of the first people who was able to link the monastic life with the life of the clergy. He had established a community in his diocesan clergy on the principle that the best way to sanctify his people was to have them see a clergy that was formed in solid virtue and a good strong sense of community and service towards others.
Later on in his life St. Eusebius was chosen by Pope Liberius to meet with the emperor and persuade the emperor to call a council that would settle the many different Catholic-Arian troubles. When the council had been called in Milan, Italy St. Eusebius decided to go reluctantly, because he was able to sense that the Arian block would get what they wanted, even though the Catholics were a larger population in the council. He had refused to go along with the condemnation of St. Athanasius; instead he had decided to lay down the Nicene Creed on the table and he strictly insisted that all sign it before taking up any other matter.
The emperor later decided to pressure him to change his decision, however, St. Eusebius had insisted on St. Athanasius’ innocence and he was able to remind the emperor that secular force should not be used to influence the Churches decisions. At first the emperor decided to threaten to kill him, however, he later decided to send him into exile in Palestine. While he was there the Arians decided to drag him through the streets and they had shut him up in a little room. They only released him after he had been hungry for four days. They resumed their harassment shortly after.
St. Eusebius’ exile had continued into Asia Minor and Egypt, until a new emperor had permitted him to be welcomed back to his see which was in Vercelli. St. Eusebius attended the Council of Alexandria with St. Athanasius and he had approved the leniency shown to bishops who had wavered. He also worked with Saint Hilary of Poitiers against many Arians.
St. Eusebius eventually had died peacefully while he was in his own diocese.
Prayer to St. Eusebius
St. Eusebius help us to turn to Christ throughout our day. Help us to thank Christ for all the moments we are given during the day. Help us to turn to Christ during difficult moments and help us to turn to Him for guidance and peace.
Amen
St. Eusebius pray for us
St. Joseph pray for us
May we continue to strengthen our journey to sainthood and keep others in our prayers.
Works cited
Information (read from, not taken):
Franciscan media. “Saint Eusebius of Vercelli. ”Saint Eusebius of Vercelli | Franciscan Media. Accessed August 2, 2021.
Images:
Saint Eusebius of Vercelli. August 2, 2021. Saint Eusebius of Vercelli - Google Search.