Thought for the Day -– 13 March – Wednesday of the First week of Lent, Year C and The Memorial of St Leander (c 534-c 600)
Without St Leander’s faithfulness, Spain would not have such a rich Catholic history. For his work opposing heresy, the Church in Spain recognises him as a doctor of the faith.
Leander became known for his holiness and when the bishop of Seville died, he was unanimously chosen to replace him. His task was clear—the Arian heresy was widespread at the time (the belief that Jesus was not fully human) and Leander set out to preach the truth. His prayer and eloquent arguments won many over to orthodoxy.
He became friends with St Gregory the Great. before that man became pope and the two exchanged letters and supported one another.
He had a great appreciation for the importance of prayer in the Christian life. Several councils were held under his leadership and he helped reform the liturgy and introduced the Nicene Creed into the Mass.
St Leander of Seville, you restored true faith to Spain–pray for the church, the world and us all!
AnaStpaul 