Philastrius

Saint Philastrius was born around the year 330, though the place of his birth is not known. Ordained a priest at about thirty, he is remembered as a man who left behind homeland and inheritance to belong wholly to God, like Abraham setting out in faith. Philastrius then traveled widely through the Roman world, preaching the Gospel and defending the Church against paganism and the many errors troubling Christians in his day, especially Arianism. In Milan he strengthened the Catholic faithful during the difficult years when Auxentius, an Arian sympathizer, held influence, and Saint Augustine met him there around 383. In Rome he engaged in both public and private disputations, patiently working for the conversion of those led astray. His journeys ended when he was chosen Bishop of Brescia. As a shepherd and teacher, he composed a notable catalogue of heresies to help believers recognize and avoid false doctrine. He died before 387 and was buried in Brescia’s ancient cathedral of Saint Andrew. He is venerated as the patron of Provezze. His feast day is July 18.