ALL SAINTS CELEBRATED IN APRIL
Saints celebrated on the 29th of April
Saint Liberius, French St-Libère, Bishop of Ravenna in Italy, the first of that name, came from Greece (according to Ferrarius*) and was of rare philosophical learning. After the death of st Dathus (Datus) he was chosen as bishop of Ravenna because a dove seemed to have landed near him. His nomination happened at the time of Emperor Commodus. He was the 9th bishop of this see, but the first of that name, elected in A.D. 185, died in 206.
Filled with extraordinary zeal for souls, Liberius was completely devoted to God and brought many unbelievers and heretics to the knowledge of the truth. He held the office of bishop for twenty-one years. His body was buried at the Church of Saint Probus and later transferred to the Church of Saint Ursus.
Saint Liberius is also commemorated on December 20.
According to Ughellus*, with whom Zedler* (30. 1091) agrees, Liberius was the 9th bishop of that see, but the first of that name, elected in 185, died in 206. The General Mart.* lists him on December 30 (p. 661) saying that he was the first bishop of Ravenna. This ought to be corrected - rather than having been the first bishop, he was the first of the name "Liberius." Moreover, Baronius*, too, errs by placing our Liberius in the Roman Martyrology* on December 30; because the bishop Liberius of Ravenna venerated by the Church on December 30 is the third of this name. (III. 614).
(Information from Stadler's Complete Encyclopedia of Saints, Volume 3, Augsburg, 1869, pp. 814-15)
*A hagiography source used by the authors
Stadler's Complete Encyclopedia of Saints - Sources and Abbreviations
PRAYER:
Grant, we beseech you, almighty God, that the venerable feast of Saint Liberius may increase our devotion and promote our salvation. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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