Caprasius of Agen
Saint Caprasius of Agen is venerated as a Christian martyr of the fourth century. Local legends identify him as the first bishop of Agen, though historical evidence for this is limited. He is chiefly remembered for his martyrdom during the persecutions of Christians and for the fusion of his cult with other local saints.
- Century
- 4th century
- Country Or Region
- France
Key Facts
- ›Saint Caprasius of Agen was a Christian martyr of the fourth century.
- ›Relics associated with him were discovered at Agen in the fifth century.
- ›Local legends from the 14th century claim he was the first bishop of Agen.
- ›His cult was fused with that of Saint Faith and Alberta of Agen during the 9th century.
- ›He was beheaded along with Alberta, Primus, and Felician.
- ›The Church of San Caprasio in Santa Cruz de la Serós, Spain, is dedicated to him.
Saint Caprais
About Caprasius of Agen
Saint Caprasius of Agen
Saint Caprasius of Agen, also known as Saint Caprais in French, is venerated as a Christian martyr and saint of the fourth century. His historical existence is primarily supported by the dedication of a church in his name in the 6th century, although local legends dating from the 14th century identify him as the first bishop of Agen.
Life and Martyrdom
According to legend, during the persecutions of Christians by the prefect Dacian, Caprasius fled to Mont-Saint-Vincent, near Agen. From the hilltop, he witnessed the execution of Saint Faith. Caprasius was subsequently condemned to death and was joined on his way to execution by Alberta, who is identified as Faith's sister and also as Caprasius' mother, along with two brothers named Primus and Felician. All four were beheaded.
Veneration and Cult
Relics associated with Saint Caprasius were discovered at Agen in south-west France in the fifth century. During the 9th century, his cult became intertwined with that of Saint Faith and Alberta of Agen. His veneration also extended to his supposed brothers, Primus and Felician. The Church of San Caprasio, built in the early 11th century in Santa Cruz de la Serós, Spain, is an example of a church dedicated to him, located on the Way of St. James pilgrimage route.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Saint Caprasius of Agen?
Saint Caprasius of Agen was a Christian martyr venerated from the fourth century. He is associated with Agen in south-west France.
What is Saint Caprasius of Agen known for?
He is known for his martyrdom during the persecutions of Christians, and local legends identify him as the first bishop of Agen. His cult was also later fused with that of Saint Faith and Alberta of Agen.
What historical evidence exists for Saint Caprasius of Agen?
The primary evidence for his existence mentioned by Alban Butler is the dedication of a church to him in the 6th century. Local legends about him being the first bishop date from the 14th century.
Where is Saint Caprasius of Agen venerated?
He is venerated in France, particularly in Agen. Churches dedicated to him, such as San Caprasio in Santa Cruz de la Serós, Spain, also indicate his veneration along pilgrimage routes.
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Peregrine of Auxerre
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