Saint of the Day – 23 April – Saint Marolus (Died 423) Bishop and Confessor of Milan. A learned and erudite man of deep charity and ascetric and penential devotions. His fasting and penances he presented as a means of assisting his flock. He zealously taught and guided them and ensured he assisted by all means possible, those in need, thus earninmg the title of ‘Apostle of Charity’ Born and raised in Mesopotanua and died in Milan, Italy. Also known as – Marole, Marolo.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Milan, St Marolus, Bishop and Confessor.”
Today, in Milan especially, the Ambrosian Church celebrates the memory of Saint Marolus, the 14th Bishop of Milan, who distinguished the 5th Century by his example of erudition and sanctity.
His Eastern origins are shrouded in mystery, as his name itself suggests which refers to a marine etymology (“one who comes from the sea” or “dweller on the coast”).
St Ennodius (c473-521), a Milanese Deacon and later Bishop of Pavia, in his “Life of Saint Marolus” describes him as a native of the region of Babylon, a land “kissed by the Tigris” and among the first “illuminated” by the Gospel and the blood of Martyrs.
Perhaps to escape the persecutions of Shapur II, St Marolus took refuge in Antioch in Syria and, later, in Rome, where he befriended Pope Innocent I.
His reputation as a cultured and zealous man preceded him to Milan, where in 408, he was Consecrated as the Bishop of that great City.
St Ennodius paints a vivid portrait of his Episcopate, emphasising Marolus’ attention to his pastoral mission, his tireless commitment and his dedication to fasting and penance as instruments of intercession for his flock. His apostolic zeal was combined with a profound charity for the poor, so much so that, Ennodius states: “He was ardent in his provision for the poor.”
His charitable works proved providential in a period marked by barbarian invasions, particularly of the Visigoths. As a testament to his concern for the vulnerable, Marolus promoted the construction of a a place of welcome for the needy.
After his death in 423, Saint Marolus’ body was buried in the Basilica of San Nazaro in Milan, where it remains to this day. His memory is highly preserved by the Ambrosian Church, which venerates him as a model of a learned and saintly Bishop, capable of combining doctrine with charity, a love of culture with dedication to his beloved sheep.
AnaStpaul 
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