The people in the government had ideas

They had ideas about the Church, about how it should be run and what it should teach.

They put pressure on the Church and its bishops, treating very badly those who did not go along.

Sad to say, many people in the Church went along.

One bishop, with the unusual name of Eusebius, who was faithful to the teaching of the Church, was confronted with papers that denounced innocent people. He refused and was deported.

Even in exile, he continued to be harassed, but he made the best he could of the situation. He traveled wherever he could be of assistance, to encourage others who upheld the truth and to bring peace whenever possible.

Eventually he returned to his home diocese, where he died (some say he was killed).

The memory of Eusebius of Vercelli, bishop and martyr of the fourth century, is celebrated on this day.

(from a previous post)