Sermons

Description

Fr. Albert, O.P., wrote in his [TOP letter n° 18](https://isidore.co/misc/Res%20pro%20Deo/T.O.P./Fr.%20Albert/from%20Fr.%20Albert,%20O.P./TOP%20n.18%20LEO%20In%20Pass.epub):> It is, in fact, a special characteristic of the Dominican liturgy during the Sacrum Triduum that during Matins we read every day from these sermons of Saint Leo, whereas in the Roman rite the readings are from various other authors as well. The reason for this is no doubt the doctrinal profundity and preciseness displayed by this great Pope and Doctor of the Church in his treatment of this mystery of mysteries, which is the Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ.The letter also includes his translation of the First Homily on Our Lord's Passion, Sermo LII ([ *PL* 54](https://isidore.co/calibre/#panel=book_details&book_id=7142) 314-316, DjVu pp. 164-168), which is more literal and less choppy than Freeland & Conway's.* * *It would be practically impossible to understand this monumental transition from the Roman world to Christendom without taking into account the pivotal role played by Leo the Great. In this regard, his sermons provide invaluable data for the social historian. It was Leo--and not the emperor--who went out to confront Attila the Hun. It was Leo who once averted and on another occasion mitigated the ravages of barbarian incursions. As significant as his contribution was to history, Leo had an even greater impact on theology.