Damasus I of Rome Damasus was born about the year 305, probably
in Lusitania, Hispania, now part of Portugal, although there is
a possibility he was born in Rome. His father and mother's names
were Antonius and Laurentia. Damasus grew up in Rome serving the
church of the martyr St. Laurence. He was the priest of the
Church of San Lorenzo in Rome. Damasus was appointed to the
position of archdeacon in Rome. In 354, he accompanied Bp.
Liberius into exile when he was banished to Berea by emperor
Constantius II. Damasus soon returned to Rome and took part in
the governing of the church until the return of Liberius.
Damasus was elected bishop of Rome, succeeding Liberius, in
October 366, by a substantial majority. However, some partisans
of Liberius, who supported the deacon Ursinus, objected to
Damasus' election and irregularly consecrated Ursinus to the see
of Rome. The emperor Valentinian I recognized Damasus and
banished Ursinus to Cologne. Ursinus was later permitted to
return to MIlan where he joined with th