St. Peter was baptized, educated, and ordained a deacon by Cornelius, Bishop of Imola. St. Peter merited being called “Chrysologus” (golden-worded) from his exceptional oratorical eloquence. He practiced many corporal and spiritual works of mercy, and ruled his flock with utmost diligence and care. “Anyone who wishes to frolic with the devil,” he remarked, “cannot rejoice with Christ.” He died at Imola, Italy in 450 and in 1729 was made a Doctor of the Church by Pope Benedict XIII, largely as a result of his simple, practical, and clear sermons which have come down to us, nearly all dealing with Gospel subjects.
