Eusebius of Vercelli, bishop (+371)

Biography

He delved into secular studies, first, and then ecclesiastical studies. His youth was like that of any young man of his age and condition, but he always tried to avoid the danger that a somewhat crazy youth usually entails. His biographers say that he never lost the lily of his purity and that he spent long moments dedicated to prayer. From a young age he was a great friend of community life, which he later tried to implement among the priests of his diocese. He was ordained a priest in the year 336 and four years later he occupied the see of Vercelli. His work as Bishop was truly exemplary: he knew very well that the main mission of the Bishop is to preserve unsullied the faith inherited from the Apostles. To this end, the Lord endowed him with great intelligence, deep faith and the gift of performing miracles, and there were many and wonderful ones, as his biographers say, that the Lord worked through him. Eusebius resisted the heresy and for this reason he was exiled and suffered barbarously. Saint Eusebius was a great promoter for the priests of the same parish to live in common. Full of merit he returned from exile and shortly after flew to heaven. It was August 2, 371.