Vigilius of Trent

Vigilius of Trent was born around 353, traditionally into a Roman patrician family, the son of Maxentia and a father sometimes named Theodosius. Educated at Athens and remembered as a friend of John Chrysostom, he came to Trent in 380 and was chosen as its bishop, receiving fatherly support from Ambrose of Milan. With apostolic zeal, Vigilius labored to lead Arians and pagans to the fullness of Nicene faith, founding many parishes and being remembered as a founder of Santa Maria Maggiore in Trent. He preached beyond his own diocese as well, and was aided by the missionaries Sisinnius, Martyrius, and Alexander, whose martyrdom at Sanzeno in 397 he met with forgiveness and reverent care for their relics. Later tradition holds that Vigilius himself died a martyr on mission in the Rendena Valley, stoned for opposing pagan worship. Buried in the church he built, later Trent Cathedral, he was quickly venerated and is honored as patron of several local communities, including Al Plan, Amblar, and Moena. His feast day is June 26.