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Fifth Century:
Theotokos - "Mother of God"
The Church found herself facing several heresies during the fifth century. The first heresy began in 412 AD when a British monk named Pelagius taught and preached that grace was not entirely necessary for salvation. Like always, the Church went into action and in 529 AD at the Council of Orange condemned Pelgaius' teachings insisting that grace was necessary for man's salvation.
The second major heresy started in 428 AD when priests from Antioch claimed that Mary could not be called Theotokos - "Mother of God". Nestorius, the Bishop of Constantinople, supported the heretical priests and did his best to promote their teaching. This matter was finally settled at the Council of Ephesus in 431 AD. The Council officially defined Mary as the "Mother of God".
One of the Church's most influential Pope's, St. Leo "the Great", ascended to the throne of Peter in 440 AD. During his reign Leo used his full spiritual authority as Pope to govern, teach and lead the faithful. He also used his position as Pope to govern the city of Rome and in 452 AD saved it from being destroyed by barbarian invaders. St. Leo helped shape the papacy into a spiritual force for centuries to come.
One of the Church's greatest theologians, St. Augustine was born in 354 AD in North Africa. During his early years he lived a very sinful life and embraced the Manichean religion, which was dualistic in its vision and understanding of God. Through the prayers and sacrifices of his mother St. Monica (332-387) Augustine finally embraced the Catholic faith and was received into the Church in 387 AD. In 391 AD Augustine was ordained a priest and four years later was elected Bishop of Hippo. Augustine wrote volumes on theological topics such as grace, salvation, and the Holy Spirit. His two most famous works were his "Confessions" and the "City of God". In 430 AD while Hippo was being attacked by a tribe of barbarians called the Vadals, Augustine entered his heavenly reward.
There was an increase in missionary activity throughout this century. During this time period, one country that underwent evangelization was Ireland. This was due in large part to the efforts and missionary zeal of St. Patrick (d. 461 AD). St. Patrick spent his early years living in Ireland as a slave, but eventually escaped and made his way to Gaul where he was ordained a priest. While in Gaul he received visions from God, which prompted him to return to Ireland in 466 AD to evangelize the Irish people.