St. Damascus (304-384)

Pope St. Damasus served as pontiff during a turbulent time in the history of the Catholic Church, battling political intrigue and disputes between bishops, defending himself from scurrilous charges of opponents, and challenging doctrinal heresies. He also encouraged the efforts of his secretary, St. Jerome, to produce the Latin Vulgate translation of Scripture, presided over the Council of Rome that would determine the canon of Scripture, and saw Christianity recognized as the official religion of the Roman Empire.

Born in Rome, Damasus was elected pope in 366 in a disputed election that led to the illegitimate consecration of an antipope named Ursinus. Violence broke out over the election, and Ursinus was sent into exile, but he still caused trouble for Damasus by accusing him of various crimes. Damasus defended himself before both civil and ecclesiastical authorities and was vindicated.
 
Damasus rebuilt the Minor Basilica of St. Lawrence in Damaso and affirmed the primacy of the Church of Rome. He was a holy man and a capable administrator, a fierce defender of the faith against heresy. He authorized restoration of Rome’s catacombs and encouraged veneration of the martyrs, writing inscriptions for many of their tombs. His own burial site next to his mother and sister in Rome has been lost.

— Jim Graves