IT IS STILL COMING
But for today, another teaser for March 10
Your patience is appreciated, friends.
Turns out a lot of things have happened over 2,000 years. Also, a 1.5 year old child (blessedly) takes up a lot of time and energy.
So again, for now, another taste of what happened Today in Papal History.
483 A.D.
Pope St. Simplicius, who reigned as the 47th pope from 468-483 AD, died on this date.
From Popes in a Year:
Simplicius is best known for navigating the Barque of Peter through the end of the Western (Roman) Empire and into uncertain times. Though the Roman Emperors were basically shells wielding little real power by that time, barbarians finally conquered Italy and appointed Odoacer, an Arian and leader of the Heruli tribe, as their king. Surprisingly little persecution of the Church occurred, however, as the invaders fully tolerated the religion of their Catholic citizens and allowed the administrative structure to stay in place. This freedom allowed Simplicius to care for his flock and sow seeds of the Good News among the Germanic tribes now occupying Italy.
Today, the 1,583th anniversary of his death, also happens to be his feast day.
Pope St. Simplicius, pray for us!
1791 A.D.
Pope Pius VI – who reigned as pope from 1775-1799 – was not only the man who was pope when the USA gained its independence from Britain (he approved the appointment of America’s first bishop, John Carroll of Baltimore), but also the one who witnessed the start of the French Revolution.
In particular, on this day in 1791, Pius VI officially condemned the Civil Constitution of the Clergy, basically the oath of fidelity demanded of clerics to the French Government, along with the Revolution itself.
For his efforts, Pius VI ended up being driven from Rome and dying in exile in 1799.
His immediate successor, Servant of God Pope Pius VII, had this to say about Pius VI’s heroic actions prior to his death:
From these events men should realize that all attempts to overthrow the “House of God” are in vain. For this is the Church founded on Peter, “Rock,” not merely in name but in truth. Against this “the gates of hell will not prevail”, “for it is founded on a rock.” There has never been an enemy of the Christian religion who was not simultaneously at wicked war with the See of Peter, since while this See remained strong the survival of the Christian religion was assured.