Caesarius of Arles

470-543. Bishop of Arles. Born at Chalons and educated in the monastery of Lérins, he epitomized the virtuous monk-bishop for forty crucial years, and by his legislation at his frequent church councils reformed the conduct of both secular and monastic clergy, writing rules for monks and nuns. An indefatigable preacher, he ruled that his clergy should preach in town and country frequently, simply, and briefly (his own practice was the fifteen-minute sermon). He fostered daily attendance at worship, congregational singing and memorization of Scripture, and involving laymen in the administration of funds. At the Second Council of Orange in 529 his representative countered the Semi-Pelagians* with his statement concerning prevenient grace and baptismal regeneration, and his denial of predestination to condemnation.