Faustus of Riez

Who they were

Faustus, born in Britain, entered the monastery of Lérins under his holy mother's influence and became its abbot in 432, famous for his preaching and stern asceticism. As Bishop of Riez he kept his monastic life and founded many monasteries.

He was the best-known defender of the teaching later called Semipelagianism, which the Church did not accept. He died between 490 and 495 with a reputation for holiness; his own flock regarded him as a saint and built a basilica in his honour.

The miracles

He was honoured as a saint by his own flock at Riez; the Catholic Encyclopedia does not describe a wider recognition.

Why that counted as sanctity

An ascetic abbot and bishop revered by his own people.

Connected on this site

• Germanus of Auxerre Saint Teacher
• John Cassian Saint Teacher
• Sidonius Apollinaris Saint Pupil
• Saint Lycerius Saint
  “In the region of Aquitaine in France, in the town that later took its name from him, Saint Lycerius, bishop, who, of Spanish origin and a disciple of the bishop Saint Faustus of Riez, protected the city by his prayers from the invasion of the Visigoths.” — this site's research