Gratus of Aosta

Saint Gratus of Aosta, likely of Greek origin, was formed in the Church through a monastic style of life that echoed the Eastern communities then taking root in Italy. By 451 he was serving as a priest, and at the Synod of Milan he represented Bishop Eustasius of Aosta, signing the council’s letter to Pope Leo the Great and firmly rejecting the errors of Eutyches. Sometime after that synod, Gratus himself became bishop of Aosta, shepherding the local Church with fidelity and strengthening the faith of his people. Around 470 he presided over the solemn translation of revered relics in Aosta, including those of Saint Innocent, a martyr associated with the Theban Legion, an event witnessed by neighboring bishops and remembered as a sign of the Church’s communion and hope. After his death, devotion to him spread widely, and in the Middle Ages he was especially invoked for protection of crops and deliverance from floods, drought, hail, fire, and other calamities. He is honored as patron of Aosta and several surrounding communities. His feast day is September 7.