13 MAR - SAINT OF THE DAY [S LEANDER OF SERVILLE (534-600)']

 Leander was born in Spain and his own family was heavily influenced by Arianism, but he himself grew up to be a fervent Christian. He entered a monastery as a young man and spent three years 

    in prayer and study. At the end of that tranquil period he was made a Bishop. For the rest of his life he worked strenuously to fight against heresy. 

    He saw to help reinforce the faith of his people an antidote against the heresy of Arianism, which denied the divinity of Christ. 

    By the end of his life, Leander had helped Christianity flourish in Spain at a time of political and religious upheaval. 

    The death of the anti-Christian king in 586 helped Leander’s cause. He and the new king worked hand in hand to restore orthodoxy and a renewed sense of morality. 

    Leander succeeded in persuading many Arian Bishops to change their loyalties. After his death, he is honoured as the Doctor of the Church.




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