SAINT THEONESTUS, BISHOP OF PHILIPPI, MARTYR - 30 OCTOBER

 

ALL SAINTS CELEBRATED IN OCTOBER

Saints celebrated on the 30th of October

SAINT THEONESTUS, BISHOP OF PHILIPPI, MARTYR

Theonestus, like St Alban, is patron saint of the city of Mainz. In the 5th century, he fought against the Arians there, and probably died in the old church named after him outside the city, which later served as a parish church for the inhabitants of Mommbach. He is pictured navigating the Rhine in a punctured skid - without sinking.  

The proprium of the See of Mainz writes about him that he was bishop of Philippi in Macedonia, but was expelled from his seat by the Arians and came to Mainz via Rome. Here, too, he had to suffer a great deal from the Arians; he was abandoned to the floods of the Rhine by them - together with his students - in a vessel riddled with holes. Miraculously they reached the shore unharmed. 

Then, passing through Gaul, they came by ship to Italy, where they preached in many places. At length they were seized at Altino and beheaded. In the liturgical prayer of the Church we ask God that by following his way of life we may become partakers of his joys. He is also mentioned in the Roman Martyrology*. Baronius* (notae) put St Theonestus' happy death in the year 425.

He is also commemorated on October 20.

(Information from Stadler's Complete Encyclopedia of Saints, Volume 5, Augsburg, 1882)

*A hagiography source used by the authors 

Stadler's Complete Encyclopedia of Saints - Sources and Abbreviations

PRAYER:

Grant, we beseech you, almighty God, that the venerable feast of Saint Theonestus 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.