Maximus of Évreux
Saint Maximus of Évreux, also known locally as Saint Mauxe, is venerated as a martyr and the second bishop of Évreux. His legend recounts his mission with his brother, Victorinus, to preach Christianity in Gaul, a task that ultimately led to their martyrdom at Acquigny. Their relics were later rediscovered and housed in various locations, becoming objects of veneration.
- Century
- 4th century
- Country Or Region
- France
Key Facts
- ›Maximus is venerated as a saint by the Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church.
- ›Legend states he was the second bishop of Évreux and died a martyr at Acquigny with his brother, Victorinus.
- ›They were sent by Pope Damasus I to preach in Gaul, continuing the work of Saint Taurinus.
- ›Maximus and Victorinus traveled to Gaul with two priests, Mark and Etherius.
- ›They were captured and beheaded by pagans or Arians at Acquigny.
- ›Their relics were re-discovered around 960 by Amalbert and later housed at Fontenelle Abbey.
Saint Mauxe
About Maximus of Évreux
Saint Maximus of Évreux
Saint Maximus of Évreux, known locally as Saint Mauxe, is venerated as a saint by both the Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church. His legend portrays him as the second bishop of Évreux and states that he died as a martyr at Acquigny alongside his brother, who served as his deacon.
Legend and Ministry
According to their legend, Maximus and his brother Victorinus (also called Venerandus or Victorinus) were natives of Brescia. Maximus was a bishop and Victorinus a deacon. They are said to have attempted to convert members of barbarian armies to Christianity but were unsuccessful. Subsequently, Pope Damasus I is said to have sent them to preach in Gaul, to continue the evangelistic work of Saint Taurinus, who is considered the first bishop of Évreux.
Traveling with two priests, Mark and Etherius, they passed through Auxerre, Sens, and Paris before reaching Évreux. It is here that Maximus reportedly became bishop. However, the dates sometimes given for his episcopate (411–440) conflict with the traditional date of his martyrdom. At Acquigny, the brothers were captured by either pagans or Arians and were beheaded, while Mark and Etherius managed to escape and returned to bury them. Etherius later became bishop of Évreux.
Veneration and Relics
The relics of Saint Maximus and Victorinus were reportedly rediscovered around 960 by Amalbert. He is said to have attempted to steal the relics, leaving only the heads behind. While crossing the Seine near Fontenelle Abbey, Amalbert fell ill and left the relics at the monastery. Richard I of Normandy subsequently built a chapel to house them. Tragically, these relics were later destroyed by the Huguenots.
However, the saints' heads remained at Acquigny. A Benedictine church was built over their tomb but eventually fell into decay. The relics were then translated to the local parish church and deposited under the high altar. The saints were invoked for protection against drought in 1559, 1615, and 1726, and were carried in procession after the head of Saint Swithun during these times. A sanctuary dedicated to Saint Maximus may have existed from the fifth century. In the forest of Bizy, near Vernon, a monument exists that is identified as the supposed tomb of Maximus, bearing an inscription from 1816 and a carved image of a bishop, although the monument itself is in a degraded state.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Saint Maximus of Évreux?
Saint Maximus of Évreux, also known locally as Saint Mauxe, is venerated as a saint by the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches. Legend identifies him as the second bishop of Évreux and a martyr.
What is the legend surrounding Saint Maximus and his brother?
According to legend, Maximus and his brother Victorinus, a deacon, were natives of Brescia. They were sent by Pope Damasus I to preach in Gaul. Their mission led to their capture and martyrdom at Acquigny, where they were beheaded by pagans or Arians.
Where are the relics of Saint Maximus kept?
The relics of Saint Maximus and his brother were rediscovered around 960 and were initially housed at Fontenelle Abbey. The saints' heads, however, remained at Acquigny, where a Benedictine church was later built over their tomb.
When did Saint Maximus live and die?
Saint Maximus of Évreux is traditionally believed to have died around 385. However, some accounts give the years of his episcopate as 411–440, which conflicts with the traditional date of his martyrdom.
What is Saint Maximus invoked for?
The saints, including Maximus, were invoked against drought in the years 1559, 1615, and 1726. They were carried after the head of Saint Swithun during these invocations.
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