Saint Gaudentius

Memorial: 25 October
Profile: Studied under Saint Philastrius, Bishop of Brescia. Preached throughout Italy and in the East, respected for his life and oratory wherever he went. When Philastrius died near the end of the 4th century, the people of Brescia elected Gaudentius as bishop. Consecrated by Saint Ambrose in 387. Wrote many pastoral letters, and ten of his sermons have come down to us. They show his desire to educate his listeners, and present them with good examples for living.

He left his diocese in 405 to join a delegation sent by Pope Innocent I to defend Saint John Chrysostom from charges brought by a heretic. The group was forced by John's enemies to return to Italy. Their ship sank near Lampsacus, but they finally safely reached home. Though the delegation did not achieve its mission, Saint John sent a letter of thanks to Saint Gaudentius.
Born: at Brescia, Italy
Died: 410 of natural causes
Canonized: Pre-Congregation
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