16th December, St Eusebius of Vercelli, Bishop and Martyr

St Eusebius of Vercelli, Bishop and Martyr

St Eusebius was born in Sardinia in the fourth century, at a time when Arianism was bent on undermining the dogma of the divinity of Christ. Having become bishop of Vercelli in Italy, he seconded the efforts of Pope Liberius and his successor St Damasus, whose feast we celebrated a few days ago. The Arians in their irritation obtained his exile after making him suffer much ill-treatment. He died in 371.

The Mass describes the numerous persecutions he underwent at the hands of those heretics. Constant in the midst of trials, as the Epistle relates, he encouraged the clergy and people of Vercelli by the letters he wrote to them. The Church confers on him the title of Martyr, although he did not have to shed his blood, on account of his sufferings generously undergone and his intrepidity before death (Gospel).

Let us confess with Eusebius the divinity of the Messias whose advent we are awaiting.

Sacerdotes Dei, benedicite Dominum: sancti et humiles corde, laudate Deum. * Benedicite, omnia opera Domini, Domino: laudate et superexaltate eum in saecula.
O ye priests of the Lord, bless the Lord: O ye holy and humble of heart, praise God. * All ye works of the Lord, bless the Lord: praise and exalt Him above all for ever.
(Daniel 3:84,87)

O God who givest us joy by the annual solemnity of blessed Eusebius, Thy Martyr and Bishop, mercifully grant that we may rejoice in his protection whose birthday we celebrate.
(Collect)

From the Catholic Encyclopaedia: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/05614b.htm