Saint Boniface I

But Eulalius secretly entered the city and incited a sedition; Honorius was moved by this, and, by a rescript, ordered that he be expelled from Rome and that Boniface be brought back; an order which was confirmed by the decision of the council of bishops gathered in greater numbers. Boniface, restored to his see, occupied himself with putting an end to the discord; he also took measures to prevent the Church from being torn by new troubles upon his death. Although very learned himself, he did not cease to e xhort Saint Au saint Augustin Father of the Church and spiritual master of Possidius. gustine to respond to the writings of the Pelagians; this is why this doctor addressed his books to him, but with much deference, and less to enlighten him than to have him examine and correct his works. He showed great firmness against the bishops of Constantinople, who wanted to extend their jurisdiction into Illyria a nd into Illyrie Province disputed between the jurisdictions of Rome and Constantinople. certain provinces which, although then subject to the Eastern Empire, had always depended on the Western patriarchate. He vigorously maintained the rights of Rufus, Bi shop Rufus Bishop of Thessalonica and papal vicar in Greece. of Thessalonica, his vicar in Thessaly and Greece; he demanded that the elections of bishops, made in these regions, always be confirmed by Rufus and his successors, in accordance with ancient discipline. In the third of his letters, addressed to this same Rufus, one reads these words: "The blessed Peter, apostle, received from Our Lord the government of the whole Church which was founded upon him."

He repriman ded Patr Patrocle Archbishop of Arles who attempted to extend his jurisdiction. oclus, Archbishop of Arles, who sought to extend his jurisdiction over the metropolises of Narbonne and Vienne. He forbade any woman, even a religious one, from touching priestly and sacred vestments, even to wash them; and that no one should burn incense in the church unless they were a minister of the Church. He built an oratory in the cemetery of Saint Felicity, near Sainte-Félicité Roman martyr to whom Boniface had a particular devotion. the body of this illustrious martyr, and also adorned the tomb of Saint Silvanus.

Saint Boniface died on October 25, 422, and was buried in the Catacomb of Saint Felicity, on the Via Salaria. In an ordination in the month of December, he had laid hands on thirteen priests, three deacons, and thirty-six bishops, destined for various provinces. He had held the see for four years and a few months. Saint Celesti ne I was his succe Saint Célestin Ier Successor of Boniface I to the See of Peter. ssor.

Proper of Rome and Godescard.