Saint Vigilius of Trent

Also known as: Vigilio di Trento
Memorial: 26 June
Profile: Roman patrician, son of Theodosius and Maxentia. Brother of Saint Claudian and Saint Magorian. Studied at Athens, Greece where he developed a reputation for learning and sanctity. Friend of Saint John Chrysostom. Settled in the region of Trent, Italy in 380. Chosen bishop of Trent by the faithful of the area. Worked to help the poor, and opposed usury. Friend of Saint Ambrose of Milan. Nearly ended paganism in his diocese, and worked to bring Arians back to orthodox Christianity. Missionary to the areas surrounding his diocese, founding 30 parishes. Worked with Saint Sisinnius, Saint Martyrius and Saint Alexander about whom he wrote De Martyrio SS. Sisinnii, Martyrii et Alexandri. Killed when he overturned a statue of Saturn in the one the few remaining enclaves. Pope Benedict XIV called Vigilius the first martyr canonized by a pope.
Born: c.353
Died: stoned to death on 26 June 405 near Lake Garda in the Val di Rendena; buried in Trent
Patronage: Trent, Italy; Tyrol, Italy
Representation: bishop holding a shoe
Additional Information: Google Directory
Catholic Online
Catholic Encyclopedia, by Francis Mershman
For All the Saints, by Katherine Rabenstein
Print References: The Book of Saints, by the Monks of Ramsgate
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