Saint Symphorian of Autun

Memorial

• 22 August

Profile

Born to the imperial Roman nobility, the son of Senator Faustus and Blessed Augusta. Covert Christian. As a young man he studied at Autun, Gaul (in modern France). There he was arrested by provincial governor Heraclius for not worshipping the pagan goddess Cybele, he asked for tools to destroy the statue. Arrested and flogged for heresy. Because he was from a noble family, he was given a chance to recant, and was even offered bribes to do so; he declined. Martyred in the presence of his mother.

Died

• beheaded by sword on 22 August 178
• a church was built over his grave in the late 5th century

Canonized

• Pre-Congregation

Patronage

• against eye problems
• against syphilis
• children
• students
• —
• Autun, France

Representation

• young man being dragged to martyrdom while his mother encourages him

Additional Information

• Book of Saints, by the Monks of Ramsgate
• Catholic Encyclopedia
• For All The Saints, by Katherine Rabenstein
• Our Sunday Visitor’s Encyclopedia of Saints
• Pictorial Lives of the Saints

Readings

Do not be afraid, Symphorian. Your death will lead straight to eternal life. Life will not be taken from you, only changed. - Blessed Augusta at Symphorian’s execution

MLA Citation

• “Saint Symphorian of Autun”. Saints.SQPN.com. 26 September 2010. Web. 20 June 2013. <http://saints.sqpn.com/saint-symphorian-of-autun/>