Could you persuade Attila the Hun to not attack Rome? Probably not. Most of us wouldn’t want to breathe the same air. Pope Saint Leo the Great, born in the late 4th century, did just that after becoming Pope in 440. He was elected while away on a mission in Gaul, already known for his bravery and wisdom. He was also admired for his clarity of teaching and his ability to bring peace to communities, whether he was settling disputes among bishops or standing between Rome and an invading army.
At the time, there was a lot of turmoil and spread of heresy in the Church, so Leo got to work by opposing and rooting out as many heresies as he could. One of the bigger heresies that Leo dealt with at the Council of Chalcedon was that Christ has one nature. In his letter Tome of Leo, he defended the Church’s teaching on the two natures of Christ–fully God and fully man. From there, he went on to resolve more and more conflicts in the Church, leaving a lasting mark of his God-given wisdom.
Leo died in 461 and was declared a Doctor of the Church by Pope Benedict XIV. He is remembered for his pastoral care, strong leadership, and zeal for defending the truth.
Today we pray for all peoples, that they might find God’s calling within their hearts to seek the truth and to see God in their neighbors. We also pray for the courage and fortitude to stand firm in our faith, uphold peace, and do what is right.
In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Saint Leo the Great, faithful pope and Doctor of the Church, intercede for us that we may remain steadfast in truth, courageous in trials, and wise in guiding others toward Christ. Pray that our words and actions may always reflect the love and clarity of the Gospel. Amen.
Saint Leo the Great, pray for us.
In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Tomorrow’s saint of the day is Saint Martin of Tours.
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