Saint Eusebius of Vercelli

Biography

Saint Eusebius of Vercelli, also known as Eusebius, Eusebio, Eusebe, Euzebiusz, or Euzebije, was born in 283 in Sardinia. He came from a pious family, but tragedy struck early in his life when his father was martyred while Eusebius was still a small child. Following his father's death, he was raised by his mother, Saint Restituta, who herself would later become a martyr in her old age. Eusebius had a sister named Eusebia, who became a nun and eventually served as mother superior of a monastery in Vercelli, Italy, which Eusebius founded. Eusebius received his baptism in Rome, Italy, administered by Pope Saint Eusebius. He then pursued his studies in Rome, where one of his fellow seminarians was the future Pope Saint Liberius. Eusebius was ordained a priest and lector in Rome and was later chosen as the first bishop of Vercelli. On 16 December 340, he was consecrated as bishop by Pope Saint Julius I. As bishop, Eusebius lived with and followed the same discipline as his priests, setting an example of humility and holiness. He actively participated in the synod of Milan, Italy in 355. However, his unwavering opposition to Arianism, a heretical doctrine that denied the divinity of Christ, led to his exile for eight years. Emperor Constantius exiled Eusebius to Palestine and Cappadocia, during which time he faced imprisonment and suffering. Upon his return from exile, Eusebius dedicated himself to preaching against Arianism. Eusebius maintained a close friendship with Saint Athanasius of Alexandria, who also fought against Arianism. He attended a synod organized by Athanasius in Alexandria, further solidifying their alliance. Eusebius was known for his prolific writing, but unfortunately, none of his works have survived to this day. The circumstances of Eusebius's death are somewhat uncertain. While some accounts suggest that he may have been martyred by the Arians, other reports indicate that his death resulted from the sufferings he endured during his exile. Due to these conflicting accounts, many consider him a martyr. Eusebius passed away on 1 August 371 in Vercelli, Italy. Although there are no specific artistic representations associated with Saint Eusebius, he is remembered and venerated for his unwavering faith, his defense of orthodox doctrine, and his dedication to the unity of the Church. Before the canonization process was formally established, Eusebius was honored as a saint by popular devotion, and his cult predates the official canonization process. Saint Eusebius of Vercelli is particularly revered in the Congregation of the Daughters of Saint Eusebius. He is also regarded as a patron saint in Italy, particularly in the Piedmont region and the cities of Berzo Demo, Bollengo, Ottiglio, Piedmont, and Vercelli. His feast day was originally celebrated on 2 August and 16 December, but following liturgical reforms in 1969, it was changed to 1 August in the Piedmont region of Italy in honor of his patronage. Additionally, 15 December is commemorated as the feast day of the consecration of Saint Eusebius. Saint Eusebius of Vercelli was canonized as a saint before the formal process of canonization, known as Pre-Congregation.