π Life Timeline
Pre-
Canonized β Pre-Tridentine
β Biography
CAESARIUS of ARLES (St) Bp.
R.M. Aug. 27 470-542. A native of Chalon-sur-SadΓ©ne, at the age of twenty he became a monk at LΓ©rins, and at the age of thirty (500) was chosen bishop of Arles. A great church- man, he presided over several councils, notably over that of Orange (529) which condemned Semi-pelagianism. He founded the great nunnery afterwards called by his name at Arles, for which he drew up a monastic rule and of which his sister St Caesaria became abbess. He was zealous for decorum in liturgical worship. He ex- celled as a preacher, and his homilies may still be read with much profit. His people looked upon him as their leader even in social and political affairs, and he always proved worthy of their trust. During the distress caused by the siege of Arles in 508 he sold the treasures of his church to relieve the poor. He is said to have been the first archbishop in Western Europe to receive the pallium from the pope. Cf. Att. β Baud. β Holw. β Bolland.
CAESARIUS and JULIAN (SS) MM.
R.M. Nov. 1 ? The former was an African deacon, the latter a priest. Both were martyred at Terracina, and their names appear i
π‘ Patronage
Patron of: Bishops, preachers, and those who reform the clergy.
π¬ Words of the Saint
The bishop must be the first to serve.
π Key Facts
Born
c. 470
Died
542
Feast Day
August 27
Canonized
Pre-Tridentine
π Legacy
Caesarius's sermons shaped medieval preaching. His rule for nuns was followed across Europe. He reformed the clergy and established institutions that served the poor.
π Personal Writings
Read excerpts from the saint's own words β their personal letters, spiritual writings, and teachings.
π Sermons
On the Fear of God
The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. It is the foundation of all virtues, the root of all good works, the source of all blessings. He who fears God is blessed, he who fears God is happy, he who fears God is saved.
β St. Caesarius of Arles