Saint Mamertus the Bishop of Vienne, date of birth unknown; died shortly after 475. Concerning the life of Mamertus before his elevation to the See of Vienne, nothing certain is known. The fact that his brother, Claudianus Mamertus, the theological writer, received in his youth a sound training in rhetoric, and enjoyed the personal acquaintance of Bishop Eucherius of Lyons (434-50), suggests that the brothers belonged to a wealthy Gallic family from the neighbourhood of Lyons.

Like his brother, St. Mamertus was distinguished for his knowledge of profane subjects as well as of theology, and, before his elevation to the episcopate, appears to have been married. His election and consecration took place shortly before 462. As bishop he enlisted the services of his brother, who had withdrawn to a cloister, and ordained him priest of Vienne. The activity of the brothers is described in a letter of Sidonius Apollinaris, another of whose letters is addressed to Bishop Mamertus. In 463 Mamertus was engaged in a dispute with Pope Hilarius on the question of the privileges of the Bishop of Arles. Mamertus evidently submitted, since we find no subsequent reference to the incident.

St. Mamertus is best remembered as he originator of the penitential practice of Rogation days. This practice is marked by processions and Psalms for the three days preceding the feast of the Ascension.

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9 COMMENTS

  1. SAINT MAMERTUS,,,,PRAY FOR ME,,,,,,,MAY ,,,,,,,YOUR COMMITMENT and EVERLASTING LOVE for OUR LORD
    JESUS CHRIST always be WITH ME !!!!!! AMEN. !!!!!!!

  2. PLEASE PRAY TO SAINT MAMERTUS, GOD, JESUS CHRIST, HOLY SPIRIT, MY SON, GUARDIAN ANGELS, FAMILIES, THE WORLD, MYSELF, SAINTS, ANGELS, PRIESTS, NUNS, FRIENDS, ENEMIES, THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS. AMEN

  3. Teach us, good Lord, to serve you as you deserve, to give and not to count the cost, to fight and not to heed the wounds, to toil and not to seek for rest, to labor and not to ask for any reward, save that of knowing that we do your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Prayer of Ignatius Loyola)

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