Saint of the Day|
So long ago, but not really
Lots to learn from fifth century's Honoratus
By Tony Staley
Some saints can seem very removed from our times by how long ago
they lived and the differences in conditions then and now. Take,
for example, St. Honoratus.
Born in the late 4th century into a distinguished pagan Roman
family in Gaul (now France), he received an outstanding
As a young man, Honoratus denounced idol worship and became a
Christian. Soon, he converted his brother, Venantius. Despite
their father's objections, they traveled to a secluded place in
Greece to live as hermits. They invited another hermit, St.
Caprasius, to accompany them and serve as their mentor.
But Venantius died in Greece before they could start a hermitage,
so Honoratus and Caprasius returned to Gaul. Once there,
Honoratus lived as a hermit in the mountains near Fréjus and
later on one of the Lérins islands - now called St. Honorat in
his honor - near Antibes off the French Riviera.
He soon attracted followers and, in about 400, founded Lérins
Monastery. Some of the group lived in community in the main
building; others as hermits in their own cells.
He formed their rule by borrowing heavily from the rule of St.
Pachomius (292-348), who started numerous monasteries for men and
convents for women in Egypt. He is considered the founder of the
monastic community. St. Benedict also used Pachomius' rule in
writing his own rule.
Many who joined Honoratus' community were young men of high rank.
He was able to turn them into Christian leaders, including
bishops. It is believed St. Patrick trained there for his
missionary work in Ireland. Honoratus was known for treating each
monk as an individual, tailoring his approach to match their
needs and temperament.
In 426, despite his objections, Honoratus was named Archbishop of
Arles in southeast France. He died there three years later. We
celebrate his feast on Jan. 16.
So what can we learn nearly 1,600 years later from a monk who
lived during the waning days of the Roman Empire?
Several lessons, including how our life can affect the lives of
many others eager for example and direction. We also can learn
that, if our course is right, we can't let others deter us. Like
Honoratus, who thought he should be a hermit in a desert, we must
be open to the possibility of changes in our plans.
And, just as Honoratus rejected the worship of idols to become a
Christian, we need to ask ourselves as Christians what idols of
materialism lead us from God.
Sources: Butler's Lives of the Saints, Dictionary of Saints, 365 Saints and Voices of the Saints.