ST AGRICIUS, BISHOP OF TRIER - 13 JANUARY

 

ALL SAINTS CELEBRATED IN JANUARY

Saints celebrated on the 13th of January

WELCOME!

SAINT AGRICIUS, BISHOP OF TRIER

Empress Helena was the one who chose Saint Agricius (Agrœcius) as Bishop of Trier [Treves], and the Pope confirmed this choice.

A HOLY MAN FROM ANTIOCHIA

When it had come to Helena's attention that the episcopal chair at Treves was vacant, she had introduced Pope Sylvester I to the Antiochene priest (others say he was Patriarch) Agricius, who subsequently received episcopal consecration for this church. 

FOSTERING CHRISTIAN GODLINESS

St Agricius' prime concern was to stifle the residues of paganism, which had at that time not yet been completely exterminated, and to implant Christian godliness in his people instead. 

THE SYNOD AT ARLES

In addition, under the protection of the two Constantines, father and son, he preached the Gospel in Gaul and Belgium, attended the first synod at Arles and the general church assembly at Nicaea, and died at an old age around the year A.D. 335. For about twenty years he had been ruling his flock as a zealous and truly apostolic shepherd. Of his two disciples, Maximinus and Paulinus, he had nominated the first to be his successor. Through him many relics were brought to Treves, which he received from St Helena. 

HIS FEAST DAY

From Bollandus we learn that his festival in Cologne is celebrated on January 9; but we could not establish the reasons for the German edition of Butler listing St Agricius' festival on January 19. The feast of the translation of his relics is celebrated on May 29.

Information from Stadler's Complete Encyclopedia of Saints, 1858

PRAYER:

Grant, we beseech you, almighty God, that the venerable feast of Saint Agricius may increase our devotion and promote our salvation. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.

➡️ Saint Andrew, Bishop of Trier