Castor of Apt

Saint Castor of Apt was born in Nîmes in Roman Gaul, and was formed by study at Arles. After his father’s death he entered public life as a lawyer, gaining renown for his skill and integrity—even traveling to the imperial court to secure a decisive judgment in a difficult case. In time he married the daughter of the widow he had defended, but their household was marked by a deeper call: by mutual agreement they embraced consecrated life, his wife entering a convent while Castor founded the monastery of Saint-Faustin at Manauque in Provence, following the monastic spirit taught by John Cassian. Though reluctant to lead, he accepted the abbacy in obedience, and was later chosen as bishop of Apt, serving the Church with pastoral care and a love for authentic monastic renewal. As bishop he encouraged Cassian’s work, asking him to write on the life and discipline of the monks. Castor died peacefully around 423, and is honored as a patron of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Nîmes. His feast day is September 21.