Saint of the Day – 10 April – Saint Palladius of Auxerre (Died c659) Bishop

Saint of the Day – 10 April – Saint Palladius of Auxerre (Died c659) Bishop of Auxerre, previously the Abbot of Saint Germanus Monastery in Auxerre. He zealously served his people for more than 30 – some sources have proved an Episcopate of thirty six years – all of which working with untiring love for his flock, the Church in his Diocese and for the secular and political well-being of his See.. Also known as – Palladio, Palladium. This Statue below in one of the Chapels in the Cathedral of St Stephen, embellished by our Saint, might be St Palladius.

As the Abbot of St Germanus of Auxerre, a wise, generous and merciful man, our Saiunt Palladius was elected, by the faithful, as the new Bishop of the same City, Auxerre, after the death of St Desiderius in 623.

His thirty six year tennure, studded with acts of faith and wise government, saw him present at the Councils of Clichy and Chalon-sur-Saone and deeply committed to the care of the lands and peoples of his See. This is evidenced by his letter to St Desiderius of Cahors (Reign 630-655) which recommends to the Prelate’s concern, the lands and people belonging to the Diocese of Auxerre who were in the territories of Cahors and also recommends himself to the prayers of his fellow Bishop.

Palladius was responsible for the dedication of the Church of Vergers to St Germanus (later, this Church was re-dedicated to St Palladius himself), the transformation of the Basilica of St Julian into a double Abbey and the embellishment of the Cathedral of St Stephen. This is an amazing building – many images here: https://travelfrance.tips/auxerre-the-cathedral/

Palladius founded and built the Church of St Eusebius of Vercelli in which he was later buried. He .died in c659. In 945, Bishop St Guy of Auxerre Canonised Palladius and his memory is celebrated on 10 April.