Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Saint Quinidius was born at Vaison-la-Romaine in southern Gaul to a noble Christian family. Even before his birth, tradition tells that his mother, praying at the tomb of Saint Trophimus of Arles, received an angelic promise that her son would lead many to blessedness. As a young man Quinidius sought the hidden life of God, first as a hermit near Toulon and later at Lérins Abbey, embracing prayer and asceticism; for a time he also lived in solitude near Camps-la-Source. His holiness did not remain concealed. Recalled to his hometown by Bishop Theodosius of Vaison, he was ordained a deacon and made archdeacon, representing his bishop at the Synod of Arles in 552. With royal approval he became coadjutor, and in 556 succeeded as Bishop of Vaison. Remembered as a just and tender shepherd, he cared for the sick, the poor, children, the elderly, and prisoners, built churches and hospices, and served the wider Church in the Councils of Paris. After his death around 579, miracles were reported at his tomb. He is honored as patron of Vaison-la-Romaine and Gonfaron. His feast day is February 15.