The Memorial of Saint Vigilius of Trent

Saint Vigilius of Trent is the Patron Saint of • Diocese of Bolzano-Bressanone, Italy
• Trent, Italy
• Tyrol, Italy

Saint Vigilius of Trent Short life History

Saint Vigilius of Trent is also known as Vigilio

• He was a Roman patrician, son of Theodosius and Maxentia.
• Was brother of Saint Claudian and Saint Magorian.
• He studied at Athens, Greece where he developed a reputation for learning and sanctity.
• He was friend of Saint John Chrysostom.
• He settled in the region of Trent, Italy in 380.
• He was chosen bishop of Trent by the faithful of the area.
• He worked to help the poor, and opposed usury.
• He wa friend of Saint Ambrose of Milan.
• He nearly ended paganism in his diocese, and worked to bring Arians back to orthodox Christianity.
• He was missionary to the areas surrounding his diocese, founding 30 parishes.
• He worked with Saint Sisinnius, Saint Martyrius and Saint Alexander about whom he wrote De Martyrio SS. Sisinnii, Martyrii et Alexandri.
• He was killed when he overturned a statue of Saturn in the one the few remaining enclaves of such pagan worship.
• Pope Benedict XIV called Vigilius the first martyr canonized by a pope.

Today’s Catholic Quote:

Saint Vigilius of Trent was killed in the present-day parish of Rendena, in the Rendena Valley, where he had been preaching against the locals there, who worshipped the god Saturn. Vigilius said Mass and overturned a statue of the god into the Sarca River. As punishment, he was stoned to death near Lake Garda at the area called Punta San Vigilio. Ironically, a statue of the pagan god Neptune stands in front of Vigilius' shrine in Trent today.