ST RUSTICUS, BISHOP OF NARBONNE - 20 OCTOBER

 

ALL SAINTS CELEBRATED IN OCTOBER

Saints celebrated on the 20th of October

WELCOME!

SAINT RUSTICUS, BISHOP OF NARBONNE

According to biographers, Rusticus, who was born either at Marseilles or at Narbonnaise, Gaul, is the one to whom Saint Jerome (about 411) addressed a letter, commending him to imitate the virtues of Saint Exuperius of Toulouse and to follow the advice of Procule, then Bishop of Marseilles. When he had completed his education in Gaul, Rusticus went to Rome, where he soon gained a reputation as a public speaker, but he wished to embrace the contemplative life. He wrote to Saint Jerome, who advised him to continue his studies. Thus Rusticus entered the monastery of Saint Vincent of Lérins. He was ordained at Marseilles, and on October 3, 430 (or 427) was consecrated Bishop of Narbonne. 

With all his zeal, he could not prevent the progress of the Arian heresy which the Goths were spreading abroad. The siege of Narbonne by the Goths and dissensions among the Catholics so disheartened him that he wrote to Saint Leo, renouncing the bishopric, but Saint Leo dissuaded him. He then endeavoured to consolidate the Catholics. In 444 - 448, he built the church in Narbonne; in 451, he assisted at the convocation of forty-four bishops of Gaul and approved Saint Leo's letter to Flavian, concerning Nestorianism; he was present also at the Council of Arles, with thirteen bishops, to decide the debate between Theodore, Bishop of Fréjus, and the Abbey of Lérins. A letter from Ravennius, Bishop of Arles, sent to Rusticus, proves the high esteem in which he was held. His letters are lost, with the exception of the one to Saint Jerome and two others to Saint Leo, written either in 452 or 458. He died on October 26, 461. His feast is celebrated on October 20.

Source: Catholic Encyclopedia, 1913

PRAYER:

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