St Chromatius of Aquileia

Chromatius is one of the most distinguished bishops of his age, formed in a devout household at Aquileia and already well known before he became bishop. He took part in the struggle against Arianism, moved easily among men such as Jerome and Rufinus, and tried more than once to preserve peace when sharper theological quarrels threatened to divide the Church.

As bishop he encouraged biblical scholarship, helped support Jerome's work, intervened for St John Chrysostom when Chrysostom was being persecuted, and left commentaries of his own that show both learning and pastoral usefulness. Butler's portrait is not dramatic, but it is full of quiet weight: Chromatius strengthens the Church by judgment, friendship, and steadiness.