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Feast Day: April 11
Saint Chromatius of Aquileia, also known as Cromazio, was born in the 4th century in Aquileia, Italy. His father passed away when he was just an infant, leaving him in the care of his mother and older siblings. Despite this loss, Chromatius grew up in a loving and supportive family environment. Chromatius became ordained around the year 387 and quickly became involved in the ecclesiastical affairs of his community. One of his significant contributions was attending the Synod of Aquileia, where he actively worked towards denouncing Arianism, a heretical belief that challenged the divinity of Christ. His efforts were successful, and the synod resulted in a strong condemnation of Arianism. In 388, Chromatius was appointed as the Bishop of Aquileia, a position he held until his death. As bishop, he served as a shepherd to his flock, guiding and supporting them spiritually. He also worked tirelessly for peace, particularly during the invasion of Aquileia by Alaric and his troops. Despite the challenging circumstances, Chromatius provided aid to those affected by the invasion, exhibiting compassion and care for the suffering. Throughout his life, Chromatius maintained a close correspondence with Saint Ambrose of Milan, an influential bishop and theologian of the time. Their exchange of letters emphasized their shared commitment to the faith and their dedication to defending orthodox Christian beliefs. Chromatius also formed a strong friendship with Saint Jerome, another eminent theologian and scholar. Saint Jerome dedicated several of his works to Chromatius, highlighting the deep respect and admiration they had for each other. Chromatius played a significant role in the translation of early Christian texts into Latin, allowing a wider audience to access and benefit from these important writings. He financed Saint Jerome's translation of the Bible, which became known as the Vulgate and is still widely used today. Additionally, Chromatius supported Rufinus in his translation of Eusebius' Ecclesiastical History, further contributing to the dissemination of Christian knowledge. The saint's intellectual prowess was evident in his scriptural commentaries, seventeen of which have survived to this day. His insightful interpretations of sacred texts continue to be respected and revered by theologians and scholars alike. Saint Chromatius of Aquileia was also a loyal friend to Saint John Chrysostom, who faced unjust accusations from Emperor Arcadius. Chromatius supported his friend and wrote on his behalf, defending his character and integrity against the baseless charges. Saint Chromatius passed away on 2 December 407 in Italy due to natural causes. Canonized before the formal canonization process was established, he is venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church. Although his patronage is not specifically known, his contributions to the early Church, his defense of orthodox beliefs, and his dedication to the translation and interpretation of sacred texts solidify his role as a revered figure in Catholic tradition.