Possidius
Possidius was a 5th-century bishop of Calama in Roman Numidia and a close friend of Augustine of Hippo. He is primarily remembered for writing the biography Vita S. Augustini and an indiculus (list) of Augustine's works. He actively participated in church councils and endured persecution for his faith.
- Century
- 5th century
- Country Or Region
- North Africa
Key Facts
- ›He was bishop of Calama in the Roman province of Numidia.
- ›Possidius was a friend of Augustine of Hippo for forty years.
- ›He wrote the biography Vita S. Augustini and an indiculus of Augustine's works.
- ›He was involved in challenging Donatist bishops and faced persecution from Donatist extremists.
- ›Possidius served on committees adjudicating ecclesiastical matters and represented the Catholic party at the collatio of 411.
- ›He was expelled from his see by the Vandal King Gaiseric and died in Apulia shortly thereafter.
About Possidius
Possidius was a significant figure in the 5th century, serving as the bishop of Calama in the Roman province of Numidia. He is best known for his close friendship with Augustine of Hippo, a relationship that lasted for forty years. Possidius's enduring legacy stems from his biographical work on Augustine, the "Vita S. Augustini," which provides invaluable insights into Augustine's life and character, and his "indiculus," a catalog of Augustine's writings.
Life and Ministry
The exact dates of Possidius's birth and death are unknown. He was a member of the clergy within Augustine's monastery before his promotion to bishop, which is estimated to have occurred around 397. Possidius established a monastery at Calama, a region prone to factional strife. He actively engaged with the Donatist schism, challenging the Donatist bishop Crispinus of Calama to a public debate, which Crispinus refused. This period was marked by violence, with Donatists dragging Possidius from his home and threatening his life. Despite these challenges, Possidius showed mercy, interceding to prevent a fine imposed on Crispinus.
Possidius participated in important ecclesiastical committees and councils, including one in 407 with Augustine to adjudicate an ecclesiastical matter, and he was among the bishops deputed to seek imperial protection against the Donatists in 409. He represented the Catholic party at the collatio of 411 and assisted at the Council of Milevum in 416, where he joined other Numidian bishops in addressing Pope Innocent I about Pelagianism. When the Vandals invaded Africa, Possidius fled to Hippo and was present at Augustine's death in 430.
Persecution and Death
In 437, according to Prosper's Chronicle, Possidius and two other bishops were persecuted and expelled from their sees by Gaiseric, the Vandal king, who was an Arian. Possidius died in Apulia shortly after his expulsion.
Works
Possidius's "Vita S. Augustini" was composed before the fall of Carthage in 439 and is included in editions of Augustine's works. His "indiculus," a list of Augustine's works, can be found in comprehensive collections of Augustine's writings.
Veneration
Devotion to Possidius was officially confirmed by Pope Clement X on August 19, 1672. He is venerated as a confessor.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Possidius?
Possidius was a 5th-century bishop of Calama in Roman Numidia and a close friend of Augustine of Hippo. He is known for his biography of Augustine and his own experiences with persecution.
What is Possidius best known for?
Possidius is best known for writing the Vita S. Augustini, a biography of his friend Saint Augustine of Hippo, and for compiling an indiculus, or list, of Augustine's works. These writings are important historical sources.
What challenges did Possidius face?
Possidius faced significant challenges, including persecution from Donatist extremists who beat him and threatened his life. He also endured expulsion from his see by the Vandal king Gaiseric.
What was Possidius's role in church affairs?
Possidius was an active participant in church councils, such as the Council of Milevum, and served on committees to adjudicate ecclesiastical matters. He also represented the Catholic party at the collatio of 411.
When did Possidius live and die?
Possidius lived in the 5th century. His birth and death dates are unknown, but he was present at Augustine's death in 430 and was persecuted and expelled by Gaiseric in 437, dying shortly thereafter.
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