Eutropius of Saintes

Saint Eutropius of Saintes (French: Saint Eutrope) is venerated as the first bishop of Saintes, France.[1] According to tradition, he was a Roman[1] or a Persian of royal descent[2] who was sent to evangelize Gaul either by Saint Clement in the 1st century or by Pope Fabian in the 250s as a companion of Saint Denis.

Saint Eutropius of Saintes
Reliquary bust of St Eutropius of Saintes
Martyr
BornRome or Persia
Died1st century or 3rd century
Saintes, France
Venerated inRoman Catholic Church
Major shrineBasilica of St. Eutropius (Saint-Eutrope), Saintes.
FeastApril 30

He lived as a hermit near Saintes and converted to Christianity the governor's daughter, Saint Eustella or Eustelle. According to tradition, the governor was so enraged by his daughter’s conversion that he had both her and Eutropius killed. Eutropius was killed by having his head split open with an axe.[1][2]

The tomb of St Eutropius in the Basilica of St Eutropius in Saintes

Gregory of Tours mentions the tradition of Eutropius’ martyrdom in his work, but also notes that before Bishop Palladius of Saintes translated Eutropius’ relics around 590 to the Romanesque church of St. Eutropius in Saintes, no one really knew the legend of Eutropius.[2] In the 6th century, the poet Venantius Fortunatus refers to Eutropius in connection with Saintes.[2]

References
  1. "Saint Eutropius". Catholic Online. 2009. Retrieved April 7, 2009.
  2. "La Rochelle". The Catholic Encyclopedia. 1910. Retrieved April 7, 2009.; further information will be found in R Couffon, "Notes sur les cultes de saint Jacques et de saint Eutrope en Bretagne." Memoires de la Société historique de Bretagne, 1968.
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