Saint Gatianus of Tours

Also known as

Cassien
Catianus
Gatian
Gatien
Gratian
Gratianus
Gratien

18 December
19 October (discovery of relics)
2 May (translation of relics)

Profile

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

Tours, France, archdiocese of
Tours, France, 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

Additional Information