St. Damasus I
Pope and Guardian of the Martyrs' Tombs
Feast Day: December 11
Biography
St. Damasus I (c. 305–384) was born in Rome, probably to a family of Spanish origin; his father was a priest of the Roman Church. Damasus served as a deacon and was elected Bishop of Rome in October 366. His election was contested by a rival faction that chose Ursinus, and violent clashes between their supporters marred the beginning of his pontificate, a painful chapter in the history of the Roman Church. As pope, Damasus defended the faith of the Council of Nicaea against Arianism and other errors and held several councils in Rome. In 380 the Emperor Theodosius I decreed that all his subjects should hold the faith handed down by the Apostle Peter and taught by Pope Damasus. Damasus took St. Jerome as his secretary and around 382 asked him to revise the Latin translation of the Gospels, the beginning of the work that became the Vulgate. He also encouraged the use of Latin in the Roman liturgy. Deeply devoted to the martyrs, he searched out, restored, and adorned their tombs in the catacombs and composed poems in their honor, which were carved in elegant lettering by the calligrapher Furius Dionysius Filocalus; many can still be seen today. He died on December 11, 384, and was buried near the tombs he had loved on the Via Ardeatina.
Patronages
Symbols
Prayer
St. Damasus, faithful shepherd of Rome, you honored the martyrs and entrusted the Scriptures to a great scholar. Pray for our Holy Father and for all who translate and teach the Word of God. Help me to treasure the witness of the saints who came before me and to hand on the faith with the same love and courage. Amen.
Asking for Intercession
Catholics ask saints to pray with us and for us, as we ask friends on earth. St. Damasus I, who lives in God's presence, intercedes before His throne. Speak from your heart: “St. Damasus I, please pray for me…” You may also pray the prayer above or include this intention in your Rosary.