Saint of the day: San Leandro of Seville

The next time you recite the Nicene Creed at Mass, think of today's saint. Because it was Leandro of Seville who, as bishop, introduced the practice in the sixth century. He saw it as a way to strengthen the faith of his people and as an antidote to the heresy of Arianism, which denied the divinity of Christ. By the end of his life, Leander had helped Christianity thrive in Spain at a time of political and religious upheaval.

Leander's family was heavily influenced by Arianism, but he himself grew up to be a fervent Christian. He entered the monastery as a young man and spent three years in prayer and study. At the end of that quiet period he was appointed bishop. For the rest of his life he worked hard to fight heresy. The death of the antichristian king in 586 helped Leander's cause. He and the new king worked hand in hand to restore orthodoxy and a renewed sense of morality. Leander managed to persuade many Aryan bishops to change their loyalty.

Leander died around 600. In Spain he is honored as a Doctor of the Church.

Reflection: As we pray the Nicene Creed every Sunday, we might reflect on the fact that that same prayer is not only recited by every Catholic around the world, but by many other Christians as well. San Leandro introduced his acting as a means of uniting the faithful. We pray that acting can increase that unity today.