July 13
Eugene of Carthage +(505)
Bishop
He was bishop of Carthage for twenty-four years, thirteen of which he spent in exile, while the Vandals favored Arianism and persecuted Catholics.
Biography
Eugene possessed zeal and talent and did wonders during the first years of his ministry; Everyone was moved by his sermons and the gifts intended to repair the damage caused by the persecution flowed in and a large number of vandals were converted. But the Arian priests persuaded King Huneric to stop the progress of the Church. Of the four hundred and seventy Catholic bishops, Huneric sent forty-six to cut down trees in Corsica, and three hundred and two to southern Tunisia to work in the fields. Eugenio was an agricultural worker in Turris Tamalleni for nine years. Under King Guatamundo, less sectarian and more prudent than his predecessor, Eugene was able to return to Carthage. This king became such a friend of Eugene that he granted him the return of numerous exiles and the reopening of the churches. Unfortunately, his reign was short and his successor resumed the persecutions. Eugene was this time exiled to Languedoc, France, where he died a few years later.
Practical advice
As an offering to the Lord, overcome human respect with a clean and brave word without seeking applause or recognition.