Feast of St Leo
Such are the ones who seek your face,
who seek your face, O Lord.
St Leo – probably born in Tuscany. Became a deacon and assisted the Pope. Was sent to Gaul (France) by the Roman Emperor to mediate between warring factions. Was elected Pope in his absence in 440. Negotiated with t Attila the Hun when he invaded Italy and preserved Rome from being sacked by the Huns. Sent a letter to the Councillor Chalcedon in 451 ( a city across the water from Constantinople – now Istanbul ) affirming the received catholic faith about Christ being fully God and fully human, 2 natures in one person. A prolific letter writer, re-organised the city of Rome at a time of decline in the Western Roman Empire – may of his writings still read in the Prayer of the Church.
MP St Leo's Day