St Damasus, of Spanish extraction, succeeded Liberius in the see of Peter in 366. He thus shared the dignity of the one whom the Epistle calls "the Holy POntiff, innocent without stain, higher than the heavens." He governed the church seventeen years and showed himself the faithful and prudent servant mentioned in the Gospel, to whom "the Lord entrusts His family to be nourished by him in due season."
The era of persecution being over, that of heresy began with the fourth century. Wherefore Damasus confirmed the second ecumenical council which at Constantinople had condemned Arianism and Macedonianism (381). St Jerome, by his command, translated the New Testament into Latin.
The holy Pope increased the beauty of worship by his rules for the singing of psalms, and by decreeing that the Gloria Patri should be said at the end of psalms, thus baptizing them, so to speak, in the Trinity. He adorned the Catacombs with artistic impressions, and died in 384.
Statuit ei Dominus testamentum pacis, et principem fecit eum: ut sit illi sacerdotii dignitas in aeternum. * Memento Domine David et omnis mansuetudinis ejus.
The Lord made to him a covenant of peace, and made him a prince; that the dignity of the priesthood should be to him for ever. * O Lord, remember David: and all his meekness.
(Ecclus. 45:30 and Psalm 131:1. From the Introit at Mass).
Hear, O Lord, our prayers and, appeased by the intercession of blessed Damasus Thy confessor and bishop, mercifully grant us pardon and peace.
(Collect)
Catholic Encyclopaedia on Pope St Damasus I: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/04613a.htm
Meditation for 11th December from Bishop Challoner: http://www.liturgialatina.org/challoner/dec7.htm#11
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