Vigilius
Vigilius of Trent was venerated as the patron saint and bishop of Trent, known for his efforts to convert Arians and pagans to Nicene Christianity. Tradition holds he was a Roman patrician educated in Athens and a friend of John Chrysostom. His death, according to later tradition, involved being stoned for overturning a statue of the god Saturn.
Key Facts
- ›Venerated as the patron saint and bishop of Trent.
- ›Educated in Athens and possibly a friend of John Chrysostom.
- ›Active in converting Arians and pagans and founded numerous parishes.
- ›His companions, Sisinnius, Martyrius, and Alexander, were killed while on a mission.
- ›According to later tradition, he was stoned to death while preaching to locals who worshipped Saturn.
- ›Buried in a church he built in Trent, which became Trento Cathedral.
San Vigilio di Trento, Vigilius von Trient
- Settled In Trent and Chosen As Bishop In 380
- Attempted To Convert Arians and Pagans To Nicene Christianity
- Founded Thirty Parishes In His Diocese
- Traditionally Regarded As the Founder of the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore In Trent
- Preached In Brescia and Verona
- Forgave the Killers of His Companions Sisinnius, Martyrius, and Alexander
Ambrose of Milan, Valerian of Aquileia, John Chrysostom, Sisinnius, Martyrius, and Alexander, Simplician of Milan, Pope Innocent I, Benedict Xiv, Romediuss
About Vigilius
Vigilius of Trent
Vigilius of Trent (c. 353 – 26 June 405) is venerated as the patron saint and bishop of Trent. According to tradition, he was a Roman patrician educated in Athens, where he may have been a friend of John Chrysostom.
Life and Ministry
In 380, Vigilius settled in Trent and was chosen as its bishop. He dedicated himself to converting Arians and pagans to Nicene Christianity, reportedly founding thirty parishes within his diocese and being traditionally regarded as the founder of the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore in Trent. Ambrose of Milan provided him with episcopal insignia and showed him support. Vigilius also extended his preaching to Brescia and Verona, areas outside his immediate diocese.
His missionary work was aided by companions Sisinnius, Martyrius, and Alexander, who were sent by Ambrose. Tradition holds that these three were natives of Cappadocia. A work titled De Martyrio SS. Sisinnii, Martyrii et Alexandri is attributed to Vigilius.
In 397, Sisinnius, Martyrius, and Alexander were killed at Sanzeno after attempting to convert the local population. Vigilius is said to have forgiven their killers and sent their remains to John Chrysostom in Constantinople and Simplician in Milan.
Vigilius is also associated with the legend of Romedius, who, according to hagiography, was carried to Trent by a bear that Romedius had tamed. Vigilius's life is also linked to the legend of his brothers, Claudian and Magorian.
Death
Later tradition states that Vigilius, accompanied by his brothers Claudian and Magorian and a priest named Julian, was killed in the present-day parish of Rendena. While preaching to locals who worshipped the god Saturn, he is said to have overturned a statue of the deity into the Sarca River, leading to his death by stoning.
Veneration
Vigilius was buried in a church he built in Trent, which was later expanded by his successor Eugippius and dedicated to him, becoming Trento Cathedral. He was venerated immediately after his death, with accounts of his life and martyrdom sent to Rome. Pope Innocent I is believed by some to have made a formal canonization, and Benedict XIV later referred to Vigilius as the first martyr canonized by a pope. His arm was removed as a separate relic in 1386. He is venerated in Tyrol, and a German farmers' saying is associated with a secondary feast day of January 31st.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Vigilius of Trent?
Vigilius of Trent was venerated as the patron saint and bishop of Trent. He lived in the late 4th and early 5th centuries and is known for his missionary efforts.
What was Vigilius known for during his time as bishop?
As bishop, Vigilius attempted to convert Arians and pagans to Nicene Christianity and is said to have founded thirty parishes in his diocese. He also preached in neighboring cities like Brescia and Verona.
How did Vigilius die?
According to a later tradition, Vigilius was killed in the Rendena Valley where he had been preaching to locals who worshipped the god Saturn. He allegedly overturned a statue of Saturn into a river and was stoned to death as punishment.
What is the significance of Vigilius' companions?
Vigilius was assisted by companions named Sisinnius, Martyrius, and Alexander, who were sent by Ambrose of Milan. These three were later killed at Sanzeno while attempting to convert locals, and Vigilius forgave their killers.
When was Vigilius canonized?
Vigilius was immediately venerated after his death. Pope Innocent I seems to have made a formal canonization, and later Benedict XIV referred to Vigilius as the first martyr canonized by a pope.
Related Popes
Sisinnius
Sisinnius, Martyrius, and Alexander were companions of Vigilius of Trent, sent to assist him in converting pagans and Arians. They were martyred in Sanzeno in 397 after attempting to convert the local population. Vigilius forgave their killers and sent their remains to Constantinople and Milan.
Benedict XIV
Benedict XIV, born Prospero Lorenzo Lambertini, was head of the Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States from 1740 to 1758. A renowned scholar, he promoted scientific learning, Baroque arts, and Thomism, while also working to combat secularism and reform the Church. His pontificate saw significant theological writings, efforts to improve Papal States' finances, and controversial decisions regarding the Society of Jesus and missionary practices.
Pontian
Pope Pontian, bishop of Rome from 230 to 235, was exiled to Sardinia during the persecution of Christians under Emperor Maximinus Thrax. He was the first pope to abdicate, doing so to ensure an orderly succession and end an eighteen-year schism. Pontian died in exile in October 235, reportedly beaten to death, and is venerated as a saint in both Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches.