Eusebius was the first bishop of Vercelli and led his diocese while living in community with his clergy. He defended orthodox faith against Arianism and endured years of exile for it.
Life
Saint Eusebius of Vercelli is said to have been born around 283 on the island of Sardinia. He became a cleric in Rome and, around 345, the first bishop of Vercelli in northern Italy, where he lived in community with his priests, setting an example of shared prayer and ministry.
The Church at that time was shaken by the Arian controversy, which denied the divinity of Christ. At the Council of Milan in 355 he refused to condemn Saint Athanasius, the defender of orthodox faith, and as a result he was exiled to Palestine, Cappadocia and Egypt, where he suffered much. After a change of emperor he returned and worked for reconciliation and unity in the Church. He died in 371.
Spirituality
Saint Eusebius's spirituality is steadfast fidelity to the truth of the faith and a brotherly common life among priests. In the pain of exile he encouraged his flock by letter, and after returning he chose reconciliation over resentment, seeking to heal a wounded Church.
Reflection
Saint Eusebius held fast to the truth while seeking the path of reconciliation. When I must work with someone who disagrees with me, how can I keep both truth and love?