A fourth-century pope, he defended orthodox faith against heresy and commissioned Saint Jerome's work that led to the Vulgate Bible. He restored the tombs of the martyrs and composed inscriptions in their honor.
Life
Saint Damasus I was born in Rome in the fourth century and led the Church from 366 to 384. His election sparked violent clashes with supporters of a rival, making for a difficult beginning.
He worked to defend orthodox faith against Arianism and other heresies, and he asked Saint Jerome, then his secretary, to revise the Latin translation of the Bible, work that later became the basis of the Vulgate. He also restored the martyrs' tombs in the Roman catacombs and had verses inscribed there in their honor, encouraging devotion to the martyrs. He died in 384, and the Church remembers him on December 11.
Spirituality
Pope Damasus's spirituality is a shepherd's care for the Church's memory and for the Word. Tending the martyrs' tombs, he helped the faithful remember the roots of their faith, and he opened the way for Scripture to be read more readily. Though his pontificate began in conflict, he worked for the unity of the Church and orthodox faith.
Reflection
Damasus tended the martyrs' tombs so the faithful would remember their roots. Why not remember in prayer today those who handed the faith down to me, like the Korean martyr saints?