Pope Saint Celestine I

Biography

Pope Saint Celestine I, also known as Celso, was born in Campania, Italy, although the exact date of his birth is unknown. Little is known about his early life and family, although it is believed that he may have been related to Emperor Valentinian and may have worked alongside Saint Ambrose of Milan. Celestine began his ecclesiastical career as a deacon in Rome, Italy, in the year 416. During this time, he gained a reputation for his piety, wisdom, and devotion to the Catholic Church. His dedication and leadership qualities eventually led to his unanimous election as the 43rd Pope of the Catholic Church. As Pope, Celestine I played an important role in defending and promoting correct doctrine and opposing various heresies. He was known for his efforts to correct doctrinal errors and abuses in the episcopal sees of Vienne and Narbonne in Gaul. He ordered the bishops there to address these issues and ensure the purity of the faith. In 429, Pope Celestine dispatched Saint Germanus of Auxerre to Britain to combat the heresy of Pelagianism, which denied the concept of original sin and the need for divine grace. He himself also wrote a treatise against semi-Pelagianism, another related heresy. Celestine I also actively opposed other spreading heresies, including the Manichaeans, Donatists, and Novatians. To address these challenges and promote orthodox teaching, he convened a council in Rome in 430. He also sent legates to the General Council of Ephesus in 431, where Nestorianism, the belief that Christ was two separate persons, was condemned. Celestine excommunicated Nestorius and deposed him from his position. During his papacy, Celestine I maintained a close friendship and correspondence with Saint Augustine of Hippo. Their letters demonstrate that Rome was regarded as the final authority for theological matters in the 5th century. In addition to his efforts in preserving and promoting correct doctrine, Celestine I also focused on the reform of the clergy in Gaul. He worked to ensure that the clergy upheld high standards of piety and discipline. Furthermore, he decreed that absolution should never be denied to the dying who expressed sincere repentance. Celestine I is often depicted in religious art with a dove, dragon, and flame, symbolizing his strong association with the Holy Spirit and his defense against heresies. His feast day is celebrated on July 27th in the current Roman calendar since 1922. Previously, it was celebrated on April 6th and sometimes on August 1st. In the Greek Church, it is commemorated on April 8th. However, since 1969, the feast of Celestine I has been confined to local calendars. The Pope Saint passed away on July 27, 432, in Rome, Italy, due to natural causes. He was buried in the cemetery of Priscilla in Rome, where his tomb is adorned with painted scenes of the Council of Ephesus. In 820, his relics were translated to the church of Saint Praxedes. Pope Saint Celestine I was recognized as a saint before the formal canonization process existed, and thus his canonization is considered "pre-congregation." Today, Pope Saint Celestine I is honored as the patron saint of Castelnuovo Rangone, Italy, and his life and teachings continue to inspire Catholics around the world.