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The Cult of Saints in Late Antiquity


from its origins to circa AD 700, across the entire Christian world


Name

Bricius, bishop of Tours (north-west Gaul), ob. 444

Saint ID

S01170

Number in BH

BHL 1451-1454

Reported Death Not Before

444

Reported Death Not After

444

Gender
Male
Type of Saint
Bishops
Related Evidence Records
IDTitle
E02392Gregory of Tours, in his Histories (10.31), gives the list of fasts and vigils instituted by Perpetuus, the sixth bishop of Tours (bishop 460-490), in the churches of Tours (most frequently in that of *Martin (ascetic and bishop of Tours, ob. 397, S00050)), the majority associated with the commemoration of saints, both local and international. These fasts and vigils were still being held in Gregory of Tours' times. Written in Latin in Tours (north-west Gaul), 591/594.
E05018The 6th/7th c. recension of the Latin Martyrologium Hieronymianum, as transmitted in 8th c. manuscripts, records the feasts of a number of saints on 13 November.
E06301Audoin's Life of *Eligius (bishop of Noyon, ob. 660, S02032) records across two books the saint's lay and then episcopal career, his posthumous cult, and many miracles. It provides further evidence for many other cults in 7th-century Gaul. Written in Latin in Gaul, possibly in 660/86, with later additions and emendations.
E07737Gregory of Tours, in his Histories (2.1), tells how *Martin (ascetic and bishop of Tours, ob. 397, S00050) foresaw that *Bricius (bishop of Tours, ob. 444, S01170), would succeed him as bishop but suffer many troubles when in office. As bishop, Bricius is accused of fathering a child; he proves his innocence by two miracles, but is driven into extended exile, before he is eventually restored; two bishops appointed in his place die through God's judgement. Written in Latin in Tours (north-west Gaul), 575/594.
E08349Venantius Fortunatus writes the Life of *Martin (ascetic and bishop of Tours, ob. 397, S00050). It is an adaptation in epic verse of the Life of Martin and of books 2 and 3 of the Dialogues of Sulpicius Severus; in a final envoi, the book travels from Poitiers to Fortunatus' home city of Ravenna, stopping at the shrines of many saints along the way. Written in Latin, in Poitiers (western Gaul), between 573 and 576. Overview entry.