Saint Parthenius of Rome

Biography

Saint Caesarius of Arles, also known as Brother Caesarius, was born in 470 in Châlons, Burgundy, Gaul (modern France). He came from a devout Christian family and was the brother of Saint Caesaria of Arles. At the age of 18, Caesarius entered the monastery at Lérins, where he initially worked as the cellarer of his house. His dedication and devotion to duty earned him the enmity of some of his fellow monks who had excessive interest in the monastery's wine. Due to illness, Caesarius was forced to leave the monastery and seek recovery in Arles. During this time, his uncle Eonus, who happened to be the bishop of Arles, had him transferred from Lérins. Inspired by his uncle's example, Caesarius discerned a vocation to priesthood and was ordained by Eonus. After his ordination, he spent three years reforming a monastery that had lost its discipline. Reluctantly, Caesarius became the bishop of Arles in 503 and would serve in this capacity for an astonishing forty years. As bishop, he became a noted reformer and a staunch opponent of Arianism within his see. He presided over several synods where he emphatically insisted on discipline and orthodox teaching. Caesarius was known for his regular visits to parishes and his effective preaching abilities. Several of his sermons have been preserved to this day. A significant contribution of Saint Caesarius was his order for the Divine Office, also known as the Liturgy of the Hours, to be sung daily in his churches. This helped promote a spirit of prayer and devotion among the clergy and laity alike. Additionally, he built a convent in Arles with his sister as the abbess and wrote a rule for the nuns. Caesarius' unwavering dedication and tireless efforts restored confidence among his clergy and brought many back to the faith. One of his notable spiritual disciples was Saint Cyprian, whom he consecrated as a bishop. In 505, Caesarius faced an unjust exile to Bordeaux by King Alaric II of the Visigoths, who mistakenly believed Caesarius was attempting to incorporate Arles into Burgundy. However, once the accusation was disproven, he was able to return to his diocese. During the siege of Arles by the forces of Burgundy, Caesarius actively assisted the victims, displaying his genuine care and compassion. In 513, Caesarius was arrested for political reasons when Theodoric the Ostrogoth seized Arles. Fortunately, the charges against him were dropped, and he was freed. Caesarius was a devout pilgrim and traveled to Rome, Italy. He also served as an apostolic delegate to Gaul and was honored by Pope Saint Symmachus with the pallium, a symbol of authority for a bishop. This was a notable recognition, as Caesarius was the first western bishop to receive this honor. In 529, he attended the Council of Orange and played a leading role in condemning Semi-pelagianism, a theological heresy of the time. Caesarius' contributions to the council were instrumental in upholding orthodox teaching and preserving the faith. Additionally, Caesarius published the Brevarium Alarici, an adaptation of Roman law that became the civil law of all Gaul. This work showcased his intellectual prowess and commitment to promoting justice. Following the fall of Arles to the Franks in 536, Caesarius relocated his offices and residence to Saint John's convent, where he spent the last seven years of his life in prayer and contemplation. Saint Caesarius of Arles is often represented in artwork as a bishop holding a crozier, wearing the papal pallium, or with a sword placed through a book. He may also be depicted tending to sick people, distributing alms to the poor, or saving monks from a burning monastery. He died on 27th August 543 at Saint John's convent in Arles, Gaul. Caesarius was canonized as a saint in the Pre-Congregation era, and his feast day is celebrated on 27th August. He is recognized as the patron saint against fire. Saint Caesarius of Arles left an indelible mark on the Church through his zealous leadership, commitment to reform, and eloquent preaching. His legacy remains an inspiration for clergy and faithful alike, urging them to uphold orthodoxy, discipline, and devotion in their Christian lives.