Hermes
Saint Hermes was a martyr venerated in both the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches, who died in Rome in 120 AD. His early cult is attested, and he is remembered for his martyrdom, with later traditions associating him with healing mental illnesses. His veneration spread, with relics traveling to various European locations.
- Feast Day
- August 28
- Century
- 2nd century
- Country Or Region
- Italy
Key Facts
- ›Saint Hermes was born in Greece and died as a martyr in Rome in 120 AD.
- ›His name appears in the Martyrologium Hieronymianum and the Depositio Martyrum.
- ›A large basilica was built over his tomb around 600 AD by Pope Pelagius I.
- ›The Catacomb of Sant'Ermete on the Salarian Way is named after him.
- ›His feast day is celebrated on August 28th in the Roman Rite.
- ›His Acts, considered legendary, depict him as a wealthy freedman martyred on the orders of a judge named Aurelian.
Ronse, Curing Mental Illnesses
About Hermes
Saint Hermes
Saint Hermes is a Christian martyr venerated by both the Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church. Born in Greece, he died in Rome in 120 AD. His early cult is attested by his inclusion in significant historical martyrologies, including the Martyrologium Hieronymianum and the Depositio Martyrum.
Life and Historical Context
Details of Saint Hermes' life are largely derived from legendary Acts, which depict him as a wealthy freedman martyred in Rome on the orders of a judge named Aurelian. His feast day in the Roman Rite is observed on August 28. The Catacomb of Sant'Ermete on the Salarian Way is named in his honor. A large basilica was constructed over his tomb around 600 AD by Pope Pelagius I and later restored by Pope Adrian I.
Veneration and Legacy
Relics of Saint Hermes were distributed to various locations, including Spoleto and later Ronse in the 9th century. In Ronse, he became the patron saint and was particularly invoked for the healing of mental illnesses. A French saying still exists referencing his ability to cure madness. Despite his early veneration, the scarcity of historical information led to the removal of his commemoration from the General Roman Calendar in 1969.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Saint Hermes live and die?
Saint Hermes was born in Greece and died as a martyr in Rome in the year 120 AD. His veneration is attested by his early cult.
Where is Saint Hermes venerated?
Saint Hermes is venerated as a saint by the Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church. His name appears in early martyrologies, and the Catacomb of Sant'Ermete on the Salarian Way is named after him.
What is Saint Hermes known for?
He is known as a martyr who died in Rome. Later traditions also associate him with curing mental illnesses, and he is the patron saint of Ronse.
What is Saint Hermes' feast day?
In the Roman Rite, his feast day is celebrated on August 28th. This date appears in the Roman Martyrology.
Are there any notable relics associated with Saint Hermes?
Yes, some of his relics were given to Spoleto by Pope Gregory the Great. Other relics were transferred to Lothair I by Pope Leo IV, eventually reaching Ronse in the 9th century.
Related Saints
Edmund Arrowsmith
Edmund Arrowsmith was an English Jesuit priest and one of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales. He ministered to Catholics in Lancashire during a period of intense religious persecution. Arrowsmith is remembered for his steadfast faith and ultimately his martyrdom.
Augustine of Hippo
Augustine of Hippo was a Christian theologian and philosopher widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in Western thought and a key Church Father of the Latin Church. He is known for his profound contributions to philosophy and theology, particularly concerning the necessity of grace for salvation and the nature of original sin. His influential works, including "Confessions" and "The City of God," continue to shape Christian doctrine and Western intellectual history.
Sabina
Sabina of Rome was a Roman Christian martyr venerated in both the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches. She converted to Christianity through the influence of her slave, Serapia, and was later martyred for her faith in Rome. Her relics were eventually translated to the basilica bearing her name on the Aventine Hill.