Castor of Apt
Castor of Apt was a bishop of Apt in Gaul, possibly the fourth to hold the office. After a career as a lawyer and a period of religious devotion with his wife, he founded the monastery of Saint-Faustin and later became bishop of Apt. He is remembered for his role as a bishop and for his correspondence with John Cassian.
- Feast Day
- September 2
- Century
- 5th century
- Country Or Region
- France
Key Facts
- ›Castor was born in Nîmes and educated at Arles.
- ›He became a lawyer and successfully represented a wealthy widow.
- ›After his mother-in-law's death, he and his wife entered religious life; he founded the monastery of Saint-Faustin.
- ›He was made bishop of Apt and wrote to John Cassian requesting a book on monastic customs.
- ›His name appears on a letter from Pope Boniface I in 419 concerning a synod.
- ›He died of natural causes in the reign of Emperor Honorius, who died in 423.
Castorius
Apt
About Castor of Apt
Castor of Apt was a bishop of Apt in Gaul, whose life spanned the late 4th and early 5th centuries. He is recognized for his transition from a secular career as a lawyer to a prominent figure in religious life, culminating in his service as bishop.
Life and Ministry
Born in Nîmes and educated in Arles, Castor initially pursued a legal career. He successfully represented a wealthy widow in a significant lawsuit. Following this, he married the widow's daughter. Several years later, by mutual agreement with his wife, Castor and his wife entered religious life. His wife joined a nunnery, while Castor founded the monastery of Saint-Faustin in Manauque, Provence, adhering to the monastic rule of John Cassian. He initially refused the position of abbot but accepted it out of obedience when the first abbot was near death.
Castor was subsequently appointed bishop of Apt. In this capacity, he corresponded with John Cassian, the abbot of S. Vincent in Marseille, requesting him to compose "De institutis coenobiorum," a treatise on the customs of monks in Egypt and Palestine. His name, listed as Castorius, appears among fourteen bishops addressed by Pope Boniface I in a letter dated 13 June 419, which ordered a synod to address accusations against Maximus, Bishop of Valence.
Death and Veneration
Castor of Apt died of natural causes on September 21, in a year not precisely known but within the reign of Emperor Honorius, who died in 423. He is venerated with a feast day on September 2. His remains are preserved in the cathedral of Apt, where he is honored as one of its patrons.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Castor of Apt live?
Castor of Apt died around 423 AD. His life spanned the late Roman period and the early 5th century.
What was Castor of Apt's role before becoming a bishop?
Before his episcopacy, Castor was educated at Arles, became a lawyer, and later entered religious life, founding the monastery of Saint-Faustin.
What is Castor of Apt known for in relation to monasticism?
Castor founded the monastery of Saint-Faustin, which followed the monastic rule of John Cassian. He also wrote to Cassian requesting a book on the customs of Egyptian and Palestinian monks.
Where is Castor of Apt venerated?
Castor of Apt is venerated in the Catholic Church. His remains are preserved in the cathedral of Apt, of which he is one of the patrons.
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