Eusebius
was born on the island of Sardinia where his father died a martyr. His
mother took him and his sister to live in Rome where Eusebius eventually
joined the clergy and was ordained a lector. He was sent to Vercelli
and served the Church so well there that he was chosen as its bishop. He
is the first bishop of Vercelli whose name was recorded.
In 354
he was sent by Pope Liberius to persuade the Emperor Constantius to call
a council to settle Catholic-Arian disputes. When it was called at
Milan, Eusebius went reluctantly, sensing that the Arians would have
their way. He refused to go along with the condemnation of Saint
Athanasius, who’s refusal to tolerate Arian heresy was the cause of
many trials and persecutions. Eusebius insisted on Athanasius’ innocence
and reminded the emperor that secular force should not be used to
influence Church decisions. At first the emperor threatened to kill him,
but later sent him into exile in Palestine. There the Arians dragged
him through the streets and shut him up in a little room, releasing him
only after Eusebius undertook a four-day hunger strike. They soon
resumed their harassment.
His exile continued in Asia Minor and
Egypt, until the new emperor permitted him to return to his see in
Vercelli. He died in 371.
Monday, August 2, 2021
St. Eusebius of Vercelli
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