Saint Maximian of Ravenna

Also known as

• Maximianus

Memorial

• 22 February
• formerly 21 February

Profile

Bishop of Ravenna, Italy in 546 by Pope Vigilius with the support of Emperor Justinian; the choice was initially so unpopular that the Maximian had to live outside the city walls for a while. Built the basilica of Saint Vitalis, and either built or renovated many other churches. Commissioned a number of illuminated manuscripts, and made sure that the text were updated with the most authoritative versions. May have been the first Latin bishop to use the title archbishop.

Born

• 499 in Pola, Istria (modern Pula, Croatia

Died

• 556 of natural causes

Canonized

• Pre-Congregation

Representation

• bishop holding a jewelled cross
• bishop with Emperor Justinian

Additional Information

• Book of Saints, by the Monks of Ramsgate
• Katherine Rabenstein
• Medieval Religion Listserv, by John Dillon
• Our Sunday Visitor’s Encyclopedia of Saints
• Wikipedia

MLA Citation

• “Saint Maximian of Ravenna“. Saints.SQPN.com. 21 February 2013. Web. 22 May 2013. <>