St. Rusticus, Bishop of Narbonne

Born at the start of the 5th century in Marseille, Rusticus was the son of a Bishop named Bonosus. He became a popular preacher at Rome and then a monk at Lerins.

In 427, Rusticus was ordained and made Bishop of Narbonne. In time, his people became split by Arianism spread by the invading Goths as well as by inner dissension arising from a synod convoked by the Saint himself in 458.

At one point, Rusticus was so overwhelmed that he sought to leave his post and lead a quiet life with God. Hence, he asked Pope Leo the Great to allow him to resign. Instead of doing so, the Pope encouraged him to persevere and sent him a letter about governing a diocese. Rusticus remained at his post and did the Lord’s work.

The holy Bishop built a cathedral, was esteemed by his brother Bishops, and attended the Synod of Arles, which approved Leo the Great’s condemnation of Nestorianism. This heresy preached that Christ had two personalities and two natures and that Mary was the Mother of the human nature alone. St. Rusticus died about 461.

PRAYER: Almighty God, You made St. Rusticus a leader of the Church to inspire Your people with his teaching and example. Through his intercession, grant that we may venerable him as our teacher and protector and experience the sweetness of Your mercy. Amen.