Saint Sigismund of Burgundy

[Saint Sigismund of Burgundy]
Also known as
King Sigismund
Memorial
1 May
Profile
Son of Gunebald, the Vandal king of Burgundy. Spiritual student of bishop Saint Avitus of Vienne. Built the monastery of Saint-Maurice at Agaune in Valais in 515. King of Burgundy in 516.

A Christian by faith, Sigismund had a hot temper, and was still close to his pagan roots. When his son opposed and insulted his second wife during a political dispute in 517, he ordered the young man strangled to death. Consumed with remorse, Sigismund retired to the monastery of Saint-Maurice to live for years in penance, surrounded by the singing of praise to God, giving largely to the poor, and praying for a way to atone of his act.

Called to lead his troops against invading Franks, the king lost in the field, and Burgundy was overrun. Sigismund put on a monk's habit, and hid in a cell near the abbey of Agaunum. He was eventually found, captured, taken to Orléans, and murdered. Honoured by his people as a martyr.
Died
executed in 523 at Orleans; his body was thrown down a well at Columelle; his relics were recovered, and a shrine developed near the abbey of Agaunum; relics translated to the cathedral of Prague by Emperor Charles IV
Canonized
Pre-Congregation
Patronage
Czech Repubic
fever
Freising, Germany
Representation
king enthroned with a greyhound at his feet
king holding a sword and palm with his armor nearby
king with his two sons nearby
old king with a sword and well or font nearby
young king holding an orb and scepter
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