Aureus of Mainz
Aureus of Mainz was the first named bishop of Mainz, whose life and martyrdom are primarily known through church sources and legends. He is venerated as a Catholic saint, with his feast day celebrated on June 16th. He is chiefly remembered for his opposition to Arianism and his probable martyrdom during a Hun raid.
- Feast Day
- June 16
- Century
- 5th century
- Country Or Region
- Germany
Key Facts
- ›He was the first named bishop of Mainz.
- ›His feast day is on June 16th.
- ›His life is known through church sources and legends, notably from Rabanus Maurus.
- ›He was likely martyred with his sister, St. Justina, around 436 or 451.
- ›Tradition holds he was expelled from Mainz for opposing Arianism and later returned.
- ›The Aureuskapelle in Mainz is built on the traditional site of his martyrdom.
About Aureus of Mainz
Aureus of Mainz is recognized as the first named bishop of Mainz and is traditionally venerated as a Roman Catholic saint. His origins are traced to the Rhone-Loire region, with an unknown birth date, and his death occurred around 436 or 451 in Mainz or Eichsfeld.
Life and Historical Context
His name appears first on the earliest surviving list of bishops of Mainz, dating to the 10th century. The historical accounts of Aureus's life are derived from church sources and legends, with the earliest originating from a work by Rabanus Maurus, Archbishop of Mainz. Rabanus Maurus also documented the martyrdom of Aureus and his sister, St. Justina, on June 16, during a Hun raid. While later sources attempt to fix this raid in 454, this date is considered unlikely, with 451 being a more probable year, or possibly 436, as part of the broader migratory period raids.
Tradition suggests that Aureus was expelled from Mainz for opposing Arianism before the time of Alban of Mainz, who is said to have been beheaded during a raid in 406-407. Aureus is believed to have returned to Mainz after 406. However, if his martyrdom is dated to 451, it would imply a very long tenure as bishop, complicating the dating of his successor, Maximus. Therefore, the martyrdom of Aureus and Justina is more likely to have occurred in 436. His remains were either buried in the city's Basilica of St. Alban shortly after his death or transferred there in 805.
Cult and Veneration
Aureus is traditionally venerated as a saint within the Diocese of Mainz. The Aureuskapelle chapel in the Zahlbach district of Mainz was built on the traditional site of his martyrdom and initial burial, likely representing the earliest site of Christian worship in the city. Its predecessor was the St. Hilariuskirche. The chapel was destroyed in the Siege of Mainz in 1793 and its successor was destroyed in an air raid in 1944.
In 1022, relics of Aureus were transferred to Heilbad Heiligenstadt. From the late Middle Ages, he and the deacon Justinus were revered as patron saints of the town. This veneration was based on a variant of his legend where he and his deacon Justinus fled Attila the Hun, were caught and tortured at Eichsfeld, and buried there, with miracles reportedly occurring at the site. Aureus is also venerated in Oberursel-Bommersheim, and his festival is observed in the diocesan calendar of Mainz on June 16.
Churches Dedicated to Him
Churches dedicated to Aureus include St. Aureus und Justina in Bommersheim and St. Aureus und Justina in Büdesheim.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Aureus of Mainz?
Aureus of Mainz was the first named bishop of the city of Mainz. His life is primarily documented through church traditions and legends.
When is the feast day of Aureus of Mainz?
The feast day of Aureus of Mainz is celebrated on June 16th.
What is Aureus of Mainz known for?
Aureus of Mainz is known for his role as bishop and for his probable martyrdom. Tradition suggests he was expelled from Mainz for opposing Arianism before returning and eventually being martyred during a Hun raid.
Where is Aureus of Mainz venerated?
Aureus of Mainz is traditionally venerated in the Diocese of Mainz. His relics were also transferred to Heilbad Heiligenstadt, where he is a patron saint.
What happened to Aureus of Mainz?
According to church sources and legends, Aureus of Mainz was likely martyred with his sister, St. Justina, around 436 or 451 during a Hun raid. There is also a tradition that he was expelled from Mainz for opposing Arianism before returning.
Related Saints
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Alban of Mainz
Alban of Mainz was a Catholic priest, missionary, and martyr in the Late Roman Empire. He is venerated in the Catholic Church, though historical accounts of his life are contradictory and often confused with other saints named Alban. He is chiefly remembered for his martyrdom and the veneration that arose around his figure in Mainz.
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