Honoratus of Marseille

Who they were

Honoratus, bishop of Marseille towards the end of the 5th century, came from the monastic school of Lérins and was a disciple of Hilary of Arles, whose Life he wrote to defend his master's memory after Hilary's conflicts with Pope Leo I. He was elected bishop around 490, governing his flock as the city passed under Visigothic, Arian rule, and was praised as a tireless and learned preacher.

During his episcopate he exchanged letters, now lost, with Pope Gelasius I, who publicly recognised the soundness of his faith. Honoratus died around the year 502, and though the Roman Martyrology does not record him, the church of Marseille has continued to venerate him on 31 August.

The miracles

There was never a formal cause: he has been honoured as a saint since before the Church's formal processes began.

Why that counted as sanctity

Bishop of Marseille around 490-502, disciple of Hilary of Arles and author of his Life; venerated by the Marseille church on 31 August.

Connected on this site

• Gelasius I Saint
  “During his episcopate he exchanged letters, now lost, with Pope Gelasius I, who publicly recognised the soundness of his faith.” — this site's research
• Hilary of Arles Saint
  “Honoratus, bishop of Marseille towards the end of the 5th century, came from the monastic school of Lérins and was a disciple of Hilary of Arles, whose Life he wrote to defend his master's memory after Hilary's conflicts with Pope Leo I.” — this site's research