Donatien and Rogatien, known as the Children of Nantes, are two brother martyrs whose cult has been deeply rooted in Nantes since antiquity. Their relics, after several translations and the turmoil of the Revolution, rest today in the parish church dedicated to them.
Contemporaries
Figures and markers around the normalized period for this entry.
Guided reading
5 reading sections
RELICS AND CULT OF SAINTS DONATIEN AND ROGATIEN.
Burial and early monuments
The bodies of the martyrs were initially buried at the site of their execution in Nantes, where monuments and crosses were erected and restored after the Revolution.
The bodies of the holy Marty rs were buried near the place where they had suffered death, and were later placed in a tomb that the Christians built for them, at the foot of which several ancient bishops of Nant es wis hed to be buried. In the past, a monument marked the precise spot where they had suffered death. The revolut ionaries having over turned it, two crosses were planted there in 1816, and an inscription was placed to commemorate the martyrdom of the two brothers.
The Church of the Holy Martyrs
A church was built as early as the 5th century over their tomb, passing from the monks of Bourg-Dieu to the canons of Nantes before being restored in 1806.
As early as the end of the 5th century, a beautiful church was built over the tomb of the holy Martyrs, which was first p ossessed by the monk s of Bourg-Dieu, in Berry; they later ceded or returned it to the canons of Nantes, and it is now a parish church. During the Revolution, it was partially destroyed. Two pious ladies had it restored at their own expense in 1806 and returned it to divine worship. It is located at one of the ends of the city and near the main road to Paris.
Religious foundations and transformations
Duke John III founded a second church in 1325, which was later transformed into a Charterhouse by Francis I of Brittany, and subsequently occupied by the Visitandines.
The foundation of another church of Saint Donatian and Saint Rogatian, in th e Saint-Clémen t subur b of the city of Nantes, and the establishment of six canons to perform the service there, is attributed to the Duke of Brittany, John IV; but this is an error: this foundat ion belongs to Duke John III, who established it in 1325. Francis I, one of his successors, instead of six canons or chaplains, established a c ommunity of Carthusians in this same place in the year 1445. This church was destroyed during the Revolution. The ladies of the Visitation now occupy the buildings of the Charterhouse.
Translation of the relics
In 1145, the bodies were transferred to the cathedral of Nantes by Albert of Ostia; a portion of the relics was lost during the Revolution.
The bodies of the two Saints were raised from the earth in the year 1145 by Albert, Bishop of Ostia, who performed their tran slation to the cathe dral church of Nantes, in the presence of Hugh, Archbishop of Rouen, and several other prelates. These precious relics are now kept in the parish church dedicated to the holy Martyrs, where they have been enclosed in two beautiful silver reliquaries. Only a few bones remain of each of the two bodies. A portion had been carried to the cathedral church and was kept there above the side doors of the choir. This treasure was lost during the Revolution along with the other relics of the same church.
Liturgical cult and historical sources
The feast of the 'Nantais Children' is set for May 24, based on 5th-century acts and the works of Dom Lobineau.
The feast of these two Saints was celebrated on May 24 in the diocese of Nantes, with an octave, and until 1804 it was a day of obligation. Now, it is transferred to the Sunday within the octave of the Ascension. The two Saints are often referred to by the name of Nantais Children.
Life of the Sai nts of Britt any, by Dom Lobineau, revised by Abbé Tresvaux. The Acts that we possess were written in the 5th century by an anonymous author. Dom Ruinart admitted them into his collection.
Iconography
Signs and attributes
Entities
Narrative network
The names, places, and concepts most present in the entry, weighted by centrality in the text.
Frequently asked questions about Saints Donatian and Rogatian (The Children of Nantes)
Who was Saints Donatian and Rogatian (The Children of Nantes)?
Donatien and Rogatien, known as the Children of Nantes, are two brother martyrs whose cult has been deeply rooted in Nantes since antiquity. Their relics, after several translations and the turmoil of the Revolution, rest today in the parish church dedicated to them.
What is Saints Donatian and Rogatian (The Children of Nantes) the patron saint of?
Patronage of Saints Donatian and Rogatian (The Children of Nantes): Nantes.
How is Saints Donatian and Rogatian (The Children of Nantes) depicted in Christian art?
In iconography, Saints Donatian and Rogatian (The Children of Nantes) is recognizable by: cross and silver reliquaries.
How did Saints Donatian and Rogatian (The Children of Nantes) die?
Saints Donatian and Rogatian (The Children of Nantes) suffered martyrdom for the Christian faith (5th century).
Which saints were contemporaries of Saints Donatian and Rogatian (The Children of Nantes)?
Contemporaries include: Saint Augustine of Hippo, Saint Honoratus of Arles, Saint James of Tarentaise and Saint Jerome of Stridon.
What are the other names of Saints Donatian and Rogatian (The Children of Nantes)?
Other forms of the name: Enfants Nantais.
Who are the relatives of Saints Donatian and Rogatian (The Children of Nantes)?
Relatives of Saints Donatian and Rogatian (The Children of Nantes): Donatien (brother) and Rogatien (brother).
Annexes & related entities
Structured data for exploration: events, miracles, quotes, places, attributes, patronages, and important entities cited in the text.
Key Events
- Martyrdom in Nantes
- Initial burial at the site of the execution
- Construction of a church over their tomb at the end of the 5th century
- Translation of the relics to the Cathedral of Nantes in 1145 by Albert, Bishop of Ostia
- Partial destruction of the shrines during the Revolution
- Restoration of the cult in 1806