Saint of the Day: St. Innocent I | Jul 28, 2024

Saint Innocent I: Pope and Early Church Leader
Saint Innocent I is a significant figure in the Catholic Church, celebrated for his influential role in shaping early Christian doctrine and governance. Below are key facts about his life, other saints celebrated on July 28th, and sources for more information.
Facts about Saint Innocent I:
Birth: Born in Albano, Italy.
Papacy: Ascended to the papacy on December 22, 401, succeeding Pope Saint Anastasius I.
Papal Supremacy: Strong advocate for papal supremacy, influencing the structure of the Church.
Condemnation of Pelagianism: Commended African bishops for seeking the Pope's confirmation of decrees condemning Pelagianism in 416.
Quote by Saint Augustine: His affirmation of anti-Pelagian decrees led to Saint Augustine's famous declaration: "Roma locuta, causa finita" (Rome has spoken, the matter is ended).
Guidance on Ecclesiastical Matters: Advised bishops to refer significant issues to Rome, demonstrating his dedication to maintaining Church order and authority.
Defense of Clerical Celibacy: Emphasized the importance of clerical celibacy.
Support for Saint John Chrysostom: Defended against the unjust removal of Saint John Chrysostom.
Sack of Rome: Sought help from Emperor Honorius during the Gothic sack of Rome in 410, although his efforts were unsuccessful.
Death: Passed away in Rome on March 12.
Feast Day: Celebrated on July 28.
Patronage: No specific patronage is widely attributed to him.
Canonization: Recognized as a saint by the Catholic Church, but not a martyr.
Pelagianism:
Pelagianism is a theological doctrine attributed to Pelagius, a British monk, who lived during the late 4th and early 5th centuries. The main tenets of Pelagianism include:
Denial of Original Sin: Pelagius argued that humans are born without the stain of original sin and are thus capable of choosing good or evil without divine assistance.
Human Free Will: Pelagianism emphasizes the role of human free will and personal effort in achieving salvation, downplaying the necessity of divine grace.
Grace as External Aid: According to Pelagianism, God's grace is not internal and transformative but rather an external aid that assists humans in making moral choices.
The controversy over Pelagianism arose because it was seen as undermining the foundational Christian belief in the necessity of divine grace for salvation. The doctrines were particularly opposed by Saint Augustine of Hippo, who argued that human nature was fundamentally flawed due to original sin, and that divine grace was essential for salvation.
Key Moments in the Condemnation of Pelagianism:
Councils of Carthage and Milevis (416): African bishops condemned Pelagianism and sought Pope Innocent I's confirmation of their decrees.
Papal Confirmation: Innocent I's affirmation of these decrees was crucial in reinforcing the Church's stance against Pelagianism.
"Roma locuta, causa finita": Saint Augustine's famous phrase, "Rome has spoken, the matter is ended," highlights the authority of the papacy and the finality of its decisions.
Other Saints Celebrated on July 28th:
Saint Alphonsa of the Immaculate Conception: The first woman of Indian origin to be canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church.
Saint Botvid: Swedish martyr who spread Christianity in Sweden and was killed by pagans.
Saint Samson of Dol: Welsh bishop and missionary known for his work in Brittany, France.
Sources for More Information:
Catholic Online
Vatican News