Paterius was a 6th-century bishop of Brescia and a monk who served as a notary for Pope Gregory I. He is primarily recognized for his scholarly contributions, specifically his role in organizing the writings of the Pope. His most significant literary achievement is an anthology of biblical exegesis, which was structured according to the specific biblical passages addressed within the texts.
Life and work
Born in Brescia around 501, Paterius dedicated his life to religious service as both a monk and a priest. While serving as a notary for Pope Gregory I, he compiled the Liber testimoniorum veteris testamenti. This collection preserves various works of biblical interpretation, arranging them in a way that follows the sequence of the scriptures they discuss.
Legacy and veneration
The anthology created by Paterius remains his only surviving work, though it has been preserved through more than 120 manuscripts. He is venerated as a saint in the Catholic and Orthodox traditions. His feast day is observed annually on February 21.