Saint Paschasius of Vienne
Bishop of Vienne at the beginning of the 4th century, Saint Paschasius succeeded Saint Simplicius. He is famous for having collected, upon angelic instruction, the relics of Saint Maurice and the Theban Legion brought by the Rhône. He died in 312 after protecting his church during the persecution of Maximian.
Contemporaries
Figures and markers around the normalized period for this entry.
Guided reading
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SAINT PASCHASIUS, BISHOP OF VIENNE (312).
Episcopacy and translation of the relics
Successor to Saint Simplicius, Paschasius recovered the remains of Saint Maurice from the Rhône to place them in the metropolitan church, establishing his patronage over Vienne.
He ascended to the see of Vienne after Saint Simplicius. It was during his episcopacy that the martyrdom of the Theban Legion took place, a glorious event that particularly concerns the church of Vienne. The proximity of the Rhône offered a ready-made burial place for t he holy Legion. Having been warned by an angel, Paschasius went, preceded by his clergy, to collect on the riverbank the head and the t orso of the b ody of Saint Maurice, which had been thrown into the Lyanne and which the current of the waters had brought as far as Vienne. "The body was separate," says the old chronicle, "and the head placed upon his shield." The bishop transported these precious relics to the metropolitan church of the Holy Maccabees, which from then on took the name of Saint-Maurice. Since that time, the city of Vienne has been under the protection of this illustrious martyr and recognizes him as its patron. This tradition of the landing of the relics of Saint Maurice at Vienne was formerly depicted in the ancient chapel of the cloisters dedicated under his name.
Historical context and end of life
Having survived the persecutions of Maximian, he saw the advent of peace under Constantine and dedicated himself to the formation of disciples until his death in 312.
Paschasi us, whom God had preserved for His church during the persecution of Maxim ian, saw the dawn of the beautiful day that would soon grant the Church a few days of peace, under the reign of Con stantine. He applied himself above all to forming disciples worthy of the Gospel. His holy death is fixed to the year 312.
Historiographical sources
The life of Saint Paschasius is documented by the historians Charvet and Lelibvre in their works on the Church of Vienne.
Charvet , *Histoire de la sainte Église de Vienne* ; Lelibvre, *Histoire de l'antiquité et sainteté de la cité de Vienne*, etc.
Iconography
Signs and attributes
Entities
Narrative network
The names, places, and concepts most present in the entry, weighted by centrality in the text.
The supernatural in their life
The miracles of Saint Paschasius of Vienne
Frequently asked questions about Saint Paschasius of Vienne
Who was Saint Paschasius of Vienne?
Bishop of Vienne at the beginning of the 4th century, Saint Paschasius succeeded Saint Simplicius. He is famous for having collected, upon angelic instruction, the relics of Saint Maurice and the Theban Legion brought by the Rhône. He died in 312 after protecting his church during the persecution of Maximian.
What is Saint Paschasius of Vienne the patron saint of?
Patronage of Saint Paschasius of Vienne: Vienne.
How is Saint Paschasius of Vienne depicted in Christian art?
In iconography, Saint Paschasius of Vienne is recognizable by: episcopal vestments, relics of Saint Maurice and shield.
What miracles are attributed to Saint Paschasius of Vienne?
1 miracle are attributed to this saint, notably: Vision / apparition and Sign / wonder.
Which saints were contemporaries of Saint Paschasius of Vienne?
Contemporaries include: Saint Blaise, Saint Hilary of Poitiers, Saint Basil the Great (Archbishop of Caesarea) and Saint Baudilus.
When did Saint Paschasius of Vienne die?
Saint Paschasius of Vienne died around 312.
Annexes & related entities
Structured data for exploration: events, miracles, quotes, places, attributes, patronages, and important entities cited in the text.
Key Events
- Succeeded Saint Simplicius on the see of Vienne
- Episcopate during the martyrdom of the Theban Legion
- Warned by an angel to collect the relics of Saint Maurice
- Translation of the relics of Saint Maurice to the Church of the Holy Maccabees
- Survived the persecution of Maximian
- Formation of disciples during the reign of Constantine
Quotes
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The body was separate and the head placed upon his shield
Old chronicle cited by the author