Peregrine of Auxerre
Peregrine of Auxerre is venerated as the first bishop of Auxerre and the builder of its first cathedral. Tradition states he was a Roman priest sent to evangelize Gaul, preaching in various cities and converting many to Christianity. He is chiefly remembered as a missionary martyr, beheaded during Diocletian's persecutions.
- Century
- 4th century
- Country Or Region
- France
Key Facts
- ›Peregrine is venerated as the first bishop of Auxerre and the builder of its first cathedral.
- ›A strong local tradition holds that he was a priest from Rome appointed by Pope Sixtus II.
- ›He preached in Marseille and Lyon, and converted many inhabitants of Auxerre to Christianity.
- ›He angered the governor of Intaranum by appealing to the populace to abandon pagan idols.
- ›He was tortured and beheaded at vicus Baiacus (Bouhy) during the persecutions of Diocletian.
- ›His lector Jovinian, along with other companions, was also martyred with him.
Peregrinus of Auxerre, Saint Pèlerin, San Pellegrino
About Peregrine of Auxerre
Peregrine of Auxerre, also known as Peregrinus, Saint Pèlerin, and San Pellegrino, is venerated as the first bishop of Auxerre and the builder of its initial cathedral. While historical accounts suggest he may have been a missionary rather than a bishop, local tradition firmly establishes his foundational role in the early Christian community of Auxerre. His significance lies in his missionary work and his martyrdom.
Life and Ministry
A strong local tradition asserts that Peregrine was a priest from Rome, appointed by Pope Sixtus II to spread Christianity in Gaul. His ministry took him through various cities, including Marseille and Lyon, before he arrived in Auxerre, where he is credited with converting a significant portion of the inhabitants to Christianity. His evangelistic efforts led him to Intaranum (present-day Entrains-sur-Nohain), where he clashed with local authorities after urging the populace to abandon pagan idols, specifically during the dedication of a new temple to Jupiter.
Martyrdom
The Martyrologium Hieronymianum records that Peregrine endured torture and was ultimately beheaded at vicus Baiacus (Bouhy), in present-day Nièvre, during the persecutions initiated by Emperor Diocletian. He was not alone in his martyrdom; his lector Jovinian, who is also venerated as a saint, was martyred alongside him. Other companions martyred with Peregrine included Marsus (his priest), Corcodomus (his deacon), and Jovian (his subdeacon).
Veneration and Legacy
Although historians suggest Peregrine was likely a missionary sent to rural areas, churchmen in Auxerre in the ninth century elevated him to the status of their first bishop. In the 7th century, some of his relics were moved from Bouhy to the Abbey of Saint-Denis. Pope Leo III later commissioned the construction of the church of San Pellegrino in Naumachia in Rome, dedicated to Saint Peregrine, near the Hospitale Francorum which served French pilgrims. A street near this church was also named San Pellegrino after the saint. In 1645, a human cranium discovered beneath the altar of the church in Bouhy was identified as a relic of Peregrine and was ceremoniously returned to Auxerre.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Peregrine of Auxerre?
Peregrine of Auxerre is venerated as the first bishop of Auxerre and the builder of its first cathedral. Tradition holds he was a Roman priest sent to evangelize Gaul.
What is Peregrine of Auxerre known for?
He is known for his missionary work in Gaul, converting many to Christianity, and for being martyred. He is venerated as a first bishop and builder of Auxerre's first cathedral.
When did Peregrine of Auxerre live and die?
He is believed to have died around 261 AD or 304 AD, during the persecutions of Diocletian.
What historical evidence exists for Peregrine of Auxerre?
While a strong local tradition exists, historians postulate he may not have been a bishop but a missionary. His martyrdom is mentioned in the Martyrologium Hieronymianum.
Where is Peregrine of Auxerre venerated?
He is venerated as the first bishop of Auxerre in France. Relics of his were translated to the Abbey of Saint-Denis, and a church in Rome was dedicated to him.
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