Bishops and Doctors of the Church – (4th Century)
Their story
+ Basil was born to a saintly family in Cappadocia in 330. Known for his learning and virtue, he lived as a hermit for several years before being named bishop of Caesarea in 370.
+ As bishop, he fought against the Arian heresy and wrote many influential works on the Trinity and the Incarnation, as well as a rule of life for monks that is still used today.
+ Saint Basil died on January 1, 379.
+ Gregory Nazianzen, like his friend Basil, was born in 300 to a family of saints. While traveling as a youth, he met Basil while studying in Caesarea.
+ In 381, Gregory reluctantly accepted the office of bishop of Constantinople. Because of rival factions that were dividing the Church, he returned to Nazianzen a short time later. He died there on January 25, 389 or 390.
+ Saint Gregory is especially remembered for his outstanding and eloquent teachings about the Trinity.
+ Saint Basil and Saint Gregory Nazianzen were declared Doctors of the Church in 1568 and have been celebrated together on this day since 1969.
Spiritual bonus
On this day, the Franciscans remember Saint Hortulana of Assisi, the mother of Saint Clare. After traveling to the holy sites throughout Europe and in the Holy Land, she became a nun Clare’s monastery in Assisi and she died there around the year 1238.
Quote
“The Lord gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding.”—Sirach 47:8
Prayer
O God, who were pleased to give light to your Church
by the example and teaching
of the Bishops Saints Basil and Gregory,
grant, we pray,
that in humility we may learn your truth
and practice it faithfully in charity.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (Prayer from The Roman Missal)
Saint profiles prepared by Brother Silas Henderson, S.D.S.
And today we celebrate...