A portrait of Pope St. Damasus I
Pope St. Damasus I
c. 305 – December 11, 384
Feast
December 11 · IV c.
Patron of
Archaeologists
Order
Pope
Pope from 366 to 384 who commissioned St. Jerome to undertake the translation of the Bible into Latin (the Vulgate) and was a great patron of the Christian poetry, archaeology, and martyr cults of Rome. He restored the catacombs and composed elegant verse epigrams for the tombs of the martyrs. His pontificate cemented Rome's leadership role in the post-Constantinian Church.
Life & Times
Also known as: Damasus the First · Born: c. 305 · Died: December 11, 384 · From: Hispania (likely Lusitania); Rome.
Patronage
Pope St. Damasus I is invoked as the patron of archaeologists. Those in these callings or circumstances often turn to this saint in prayer.
“Whoever, fearing the Father, denies the Son shall not have the Father; whoever confesses the Son has the Father with the Son.”— Tome of Damasus (Tomus Damasi), 380 AD
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About Catholic Saints
Catholic saints, including Pope St. Damasus I, are Christians whom the Catholic Church has formally recognized as having lived lifes of heroic holiness and who now dwell with God in heaven, offering an example of faith for those still on their earthly journey. Catholics don't worship saints, but ask them to pray to God with us and for us — much as one might ask a trusted friend to pray for them — trusting that those closest to God can join their voices to ours before Him. Discover more saints in the Catholic Shop Saints section.