Gatianus, Saint
Gatianus, Saint
Confessor, founder and first Bishop of Tours, born probably Rome; died Tours, France, 301. After innumerable difficulties he evangelized the third Lyonnaise province during the latter half of the 3rd century . At his death the Church of Tours was securely established. Relics in Tours. Feast , 20 September .
Fuente: New Catholic Dictionary
Gatianus, Saint
Founder and bishop of Tours; b. probably at Rome; d. at Tours, 20 December, 301. He came to Gaul during the consulate of Decius and Gratus (250 or 251), devoted half a century to the evangelization of the third Lyonnaise province amid innumerable difficulties, which the pagans raise against him. But he overcame all obstacles, and at his death the Church of Tours was securely established. The “traditional school”, relying on legends that have hitherto not been traced back beyond the twelfth century, have claimed that St. Gatianus was one of the seventy-two disciples of Christ, and was sent into Gaul during the first century by St. Peter himself. This assertion, which has been refuted by learned and devout writers, is untenable in the face of the testimony of Gregory of Tours. To this bishop, who lived in the sixth century, we are indebted for the only details we possess concerning his holy predecessor.
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LÉON CLUGNET Transcribed by Joseph P. Thomas
The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume VICopyright © 1909 by Robert Appleton CompanyOnline Edition Copyright © 2003 by K. KnightNihil Obstat, September 1, 1909. Remy Lafort, CensorImprimatur. +John M. Farley, Archbishop of New York