Maximus of Turin

Maximus of Turin (c. 380 – c. 465) was a Roman Christian prelate and the first Bishop of Turin. He is recognized as a theological writer who significantly contributed to the spread and consolidation of Christianity in Northern Italy during a period of intense barbarian incursions and societal upheaval. His writings, particularly his sermons, offer a valuable window into the customs, living conditions, and challenges faced by the Lombard population during the Gothic invasions.

Life and Historical Context

Believed to be a native of Rhaetia (modern-day Northern Italy), Maximus was a disciple of prominent figures like Ambrose of Milan and Eusebius of Vercelli. Gennadius of Massilia described him as a profound student of scripture and a learned preacher. Maximus himself recorded in a sermon that in 397, he witnessed the martyrdom of three missionary bishops in the Rhaetian Alps. He became bishop of Turin in 398, a suffragan see of Milan. During his episcopate, Turin faced threats from barbarian incursions, and the city was filled with soldiers and refugees. Bishop Maximus took on a role of guardian, chiding landowners for hoarding wealth and urging them to use their resources for the relief of those in need, including redeeming prisoners of war. He is credited with wisely governing his flock through these troublous times.

Works and Legacy

Approximately 100 of Maximus's sermons are extant. These works are crucial for understanding the societal and historical context of the time, with one homily detailing the destruction of Milan by Attila. His sermons also address Christian responsibilities, such as meeting civil obligations and paying taxes, especially during difficult periods, and cover ecclesiastical seasons, feasts of the Lord, and commemorations of saints. While Bruno Bruni's 1784 edition of his discourses included 118 homilies, 116 sermons, and six treatises, many of these are of doubtful origin. A more accurate corpus attributed to Maximus I of Turin was published in the Corpus Christianorum Series Latina by Almut Mutzenbecher in 1962. Maximus is honored as the patron saint of the city of Turin, and his feast day is celebrated on June 25th.

Iconography and Veneration

The city of Turin venerates Maximus as its patron saint. A later, unreliable life describes a legend where Maximus caused a roe deer to stop so a thirsty cleric could partake of its milk, leading to his representation in art pointing at a roe deer.