Saint Maurilius of Angers – Biography, Feast Day, and Miracles

ST. MAURILIUS

Saint Maurilius of Angers (c. 336–426) was a Milanese-born bishop known for his missionary zeal in Gaul and his close association with Saint Martin of Tours. He became Bishop of Angers, where he performed miracles and helped spread Christianity. His feast is celebrated on September 13.

Saint Maurilius of Angers was born around the year 336 in Milan, a prominent city in early Christian Italy. Raised in a devout Christian household, he was deeply influenced by the spirituality and missionary work of Saint Martin of Tours, one of the most revered saints in early Western Christianity. Maurilius initially pursued a religious life in his native region but was drawn to the active evangelization efforts led by Saint Martin in Gaul (modern-day France). He left Milan to join Martin in Tours, where he was ordained a priest and undertook missionary work throughout the surrounding pagan regions.

Maurilius's journey led him to Angers, a city with deep-rooted pagan traditions. There, he encountered resistance, but his dedication, compassion, and reported miracles gradually drew people toward Christianity. One of the most well-known legends associated with him involves the resurrection of a child who had died before receiving baptism. Maurilius, after intense prayer, brought the child back to life. The child was later baptized and named Renatus (meaning "reborn") and eventually succeeded Maurilius as Bishop of Angers, further cementing the saint's legacy in the region.

In 423, Maurilius was appointed Bishop of Angers, a role he held until his death in 426. During his episcopate, he continued to care for his flock with tireless devotion, focusing on the pastoral needs of the community and strengthening the Christian church in a time of growth and transition. Reports from his funeral indicate miraculous events, including the healing of a paralyzed man who kissed his coffin and the restoration of sight to two blind individuals. These miracles further solidified his status as a holy and revered figure among the early Christian communities.

By the 7th century, veneration of Saint Maurilius had grown significantly. Bishop Magnobodus of Angers authored a biography of Maurilius around the year 620, further spreading devotion to his memory. In the year 873, his relics were transferred to the Cathedral of Angers, which had previously been dedicated to Saint Maurice. Although the cathedral shifted its primary dedication to Saint Maurice, Saint Maurilius remained deeply honored. In 1239, his relics were placed in a new urn to preserve them more securely. Unfortunately, during the tumultuous period of the French Revolution in 1791, his relics were scattered, and only a few fragments were recovered. These remaining relics are still preserved in the cathedral today.

Saint Maurilius is often depicted in Christian art as a bishop holding symbolic items such as a fish, a key, or a gardening spade—signs of his role as the patron saint of fishermen and gardeners. Churches and communities across France and beyond continue to honor him, including the notable Église Saint-Maurille in Vouziers, Ardennes.

His feast day, celebrated on September 13, honors his lasting impact on the Christian faith, particularly in the region of Angers. Though not formally canonized through the modern Church process, Saint Maurilius is recognized as a pre-Congregation saint, meaning his veneration began before the official canonization procedures were established.

Feast Day

13-9-

Birth Date

--336 AD

Died Date

13-9-426 AD

Canonised Date

--Pre-congregation

Cathedral of Angers, France

O Holy Saint Maurilius, faithful shepherd and tireless missionary, guide us to serve with humility and love. Intercede for us, that we may remain steadfast in our faith and grow closer to Christ through your example. Amen.
ST. MAURILIUS

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ST. MAURILIUS

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