Profile
Gatianus was a spiritual student of Saint Dionysius of Paris. Gatianus brought Christianity to Tours, France in the 4th century, founded the diocese, and served as the its first bishop. However, his good work faded after his death. When Saint Martin arrived in Tours, he found that there were no Christians, but local lore spoke much about Gatianus, the man who brought the Gospel that the people no longer understood. Martin found Gatianus’ burial site, and always venerated his predecessor.
Pious legend says that Gatianus was one of the shepherds to whom the angels appeared at Jesus’ birth, but that is, after all, only a pious legend.
Born
- 3rd century, probably in Rome, Italy
Died
- 20 December 301 at Tours, France
- relics destroyed by Protestants in 1562
Canonized
- Pre-Congregation
Patronage
- in France
– Amiens, city of
– Tours, archdiocese of
– Tours, city of
Representation
- bishop scattering seed, emblematic of spreading the faith
- bishop in a cave with his parishioners; apparently that’s where he started conducting Mass
- with Saint Dionysius of Paris
Source: https://catholicsaints.info/saint-gatianus-of-tours/
