Honoratus

Saint Honoratus was born around 350 in the north of Gaul into a distinguished Roman family and received an excellent education. Drawn to Christ, he embraced the faith along with his brother Venantius. With the guidance of the holy Caprasius, the two set out from Marseille about 368, hoping to visit the sacred places of Palestine and the monastic communities of Syria and Egypt. When Venantius died suddenly at Methone in Achaia, Honoratus returned to Gaul by way of Italy and Rome, carrying his grief as an offering to God. In Provence, encouraged by Leontius of Fréjus, he withdrew to the rugged island of Lérins to live in solitude. There his holiness attracted disciples, and from this gathering arose the famed Abbey of Lérins, a cradle of saints, bishops, and spiritual writers. In 426, he was called from the cloister to become Archbishop of Arles, restoring peace and orthodox faith amid turmoil. He died in 429, held by his disciple Hilary. He is honored as patron of Algaida and Vinalesa. His feast day is January 16.