Braulio of Zaragoza
Latin·Male·7th century·Visigothic Kingdom
Braulio of Zaragoza was a learned cleric and bishop of Zaragoza in the Kingdom of the Visigoths. Celebrated as a saint, he was known for his personal austerity, almsgiving, and preaching, serving as an advisor to Visigoth kings and working with Isidore of Seville to convert the Visigoths from Arianism.
Key Facts
- ›Bishop of Zaragoza from 631 AD until his death in 651 AD.
- ›Studied at Isidore of Seville's school and was ordained by him.
- ›Advised Visigoth kings, including Chindasuinth, and recommended the installation of Recceswinth as associate king.
- ›Collaborated with Isidore of Seville on theological works, including the revision of Isidore's encyclopedic work.
- ›Participated in several councils of Toledo.
- ›Lost his eyesight towards the end of his life.
- A Life of Emilian of Cogolla
- Forty-Four Letters
- Possibly the "Acts of the Martyrs of Saragossa"
- Possibly the Passio S. Leocadiae
- Worked With Isidore of Seville To Convert Visigoths From Arianism.
- Had A Hand In the Revision of Isidore of Seville's Works.
Bishop of Zaragoza, Saint, Patron Saint of Aragon, Patron Saint of the University of Zaragoza
7th Century
Kingdom of the Visigoths, Hispania, Zaragoza, Seville
Arianism
Council of Toledo
Taius of Zaragoza
About Braulio of Zaragoza
Braulio of Zaragoza (Latin: Braulius Caesaraugustanus; c. 585–651 AD) was a prominent bishop of Zaragoza and a learned cleric within the Kingdom of the Visigoths. Celebrated as one of the most revered saints of the Visigothic era in Hispania (5th to 8th centuries), Braulio was significant both as a pastor and a writer.
Life and Ministry
Born into a noble Hispano-Roman family, Braulio's father was Bishop of Osma, and his siblings also held important positions in the Church. He took monastic vows in 610 and later studied at the school of Isidore of Seville, who ordained him in 624. Braulio returned to Zaragoza in 625, serving as archdeacon to his brother, the bishop. Upon his brother's death in 631, Braulio succeeded him as bishop. He was known for his personal austerity, almsgiving, and effective preaching. He served as an advisor and confidant to several Visigoth kings, including Chindasuinth, and recommended the installation of Chindasuinth's son, Recceswinth, as associate king.
Braulio played a role in the conversion of the Visigoths from Arianism, collaborating with Isidore of Seville. He is credited with encouraging Isidore's encyclopedic endeavors and assisting in the revision of his works. Braulio participated in important ecclesiastical gatherings, attending the councils of Toledo in 633, 636, and 638. He also responded on behalf of the Iberian clergy to Pope Honorius I regarding concerns about their handling of lapsed Jewish converts.
Towards the end of his life, Braulio lost his eyesight. He was buried in Zaragoza, in the location of the present-day church of Nuestra Señora del Pilar. His successor as bishop of Zaragoza was Taius (Taio), who had been his pupil. Braulio is venerated as the patron saint of Aragon and of the University of Zaragoza.
Writings
Several of Braulio's works have survived. These include a life of Emilian of Cogolla and forty-four letters that were discovered in the eighteenth century, which were not mentioned in antiquity. Many scholars also identify him as the author of the "Acts of the Martyrs of Saragossa" and suggest he may have written the Passio S. Leocadiae.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Braulio of Zaragoza live?
Braulio of Zaragoza lived approximately from 585 AD to 651 AD. He was most active in the 7th century.
What was Braulio of Zaragoza's role in the Church?
Braulio served as the bishop of Zaragoza and was a learned cleric within the Kingdom of the Visigoths. He was also a writer and is celebrated as a saint.
What were Braulio's key contributions?
Braulio worked with Isidore of Seville to convert the Visigoths from Arianism. He is also said to have encouraged Isidore in his encyclopedic ambitions and had a part in revising his works.
What notable works are attributed to Braulio of Zaragoza?
Several works are attributed to Braulio, including a life of Emilian of Cogolla and forty-four letters discovered in the eighteenth century. He is also identified by experts as the author of the "Acts of the Martyrs of Saragossa".
Where is Braulio of Zaragoza buried?
Braulio of Zaragoza was buried in what is now the church of Nuestra Señora del Pilar in Zaragoza. He is also honored as the patron saint of Aragon and the University of Zaragoza.
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