Saint Aurelian of Lyon
Born in the province of Lyon, Aurelian was a great monastic reformer and Archbishop of Lyon in the 9th century. After leading several prestigious abbeys such as Ainay and Saint-Claude, he founded the Abbey of Seyssieu in 859. He played a major ecclesiastical role by participating in the councils of Ponthion and Troyes under the pontificate of John VIII.
Contemporaries
Figures and markers around the normalized period for this entry.
Guided reading
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FOUNDER OF SAINT-BENOÎT DE SEYSMEU (895).
Origins and ecclesiastical beginnings
Aurelian was born in the province of Lyon and began his career as archdeacon of Autun before becoming abbot of Ainay.
Aurelian was born in the province of Lyo n: his father bore the same name as him, and his mother was named Adalouas. Admitted from his youth to follow the ecclesiastical career, he first became archdeacon of Autun and was subsequently elect ed abbot of the mo nastery of Alenay, at the confluence of the Rhône and the Saône. Aisnay or Ainzy (Athenacu m) was an abbey of th e Order of Saint Benedict, formerly situated outside the walls of Lyon and today enclosed within its perimeter. One of the oldest in Gaul, it was already flourishing in the year 534, when the kingdom of Burgundy was united with France. This place of Athenacum had become famous as the theater where the illustrious martyrs of Lyon, whom Saint Gregory of Tours calls Athenacenses, suffered death under Marcus Aurelius in the 2nd century. The bodies of these glorious confessors of the faith, thrown by a barbaric order into the Rhône, were collected by the faithful and placed on the altar of a vast basilica that they built in their honor. Later, a distinguished monastery under the patronage of Saint Martin was joined to this basilica. Ravaged by the barbarians, Aurelian re-established monks there and restored it to its former splendor.
Monastic Governance and Foundations
After directing the abbeys of Saint-Claude and Nantua, he founded the abbey of Seyssieu in 859 and later welcomed there the monks of Saint-Maur fleeing the Normans.
Some time later, Aurelian took over the governance of the abbeys of Saint-Claude (Jura) and Nantua (Ain). These were two illustrious and ancient Benedictine monasteries. It was not the lure of fortune or ambition, but solely the interest of these religious houses that led him to accept these new duties. After ten years, he resigned from them to go and found the abbey of Sey ssieu. This was in the year 859. He placed it on the Rhône, four leagues from Belley, and placed it under the invocation of Saint Benedict and the holy martyrs Florentinus and Hilary. In the year 878, he received into this asylum the religious of Saint-Maur-des-Fossés, near Paris, who were seeking refuge from the fury of the Normans.
Episcopate and councils
Appointed Archbishop of Lyon in 875, he actively participated in the councils of Ponthion and Troyes, the latter being presided over by Pope John VIII.
However, Aurélien's high reputation for virtue had led to his elevation, as early as 875 , to the metropolitan see o f Lyon, which had become vacant upon the death of Saint Remy. In June or July 876, he was present at the council held at Ponthion (Marne) by John of Toscanella, John of Arezzo, and Ansegis of Sens. In 878, he attended the Council of Tro yes, presided over by Pope John VIII, and spoke there on several occasions.
End of life and chronology
Aurelian died around 893, the precise date of his death being traditionally fixed to July 4 according to the necrology of Lyon.
The day of his death is commonly placed in 893, but there is no consensus on the precise day of his passing. The necrology of the Church of Lyon, which we have followed, marks it on July 4. Cf. Fisquet: La France Pontificale.
Entities
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Frequently asked questions about Saint Aurelian of Lyon
Who was Saint Aurelian of Lyon?
Born in the province of Lyon, Aurelian was a great monastic reformer and Archbishop of Lyon in the 9th century. After leading several prestigious abbeys such as Ainay and Saint-Claude, he founded the Abbey of Seyssieu in 859. He played a major ecclesiastical role by participating in the councils of Ponthion and Troyes under the pontificate of John VIII.
What is Saint Aurelian of Lyon the patron saint of?
Patronage of Saint Aurelian of Lyon: Seyssieu Abbey.
Which saints were contemporaries of Saint Aurelian of Lyon?
Contemporaries include: Saint Ansgar (Apostle of the North), Saint Bernard of Menthon (Apostle of the Alps), Saint Rumold (Rombaud) and Saint Zachary, Pope.
When did Saint Aurelian of Lyon die?
Saint Aurelian of Lyon died around 900.
Who are the relatives of Saint Aurelian of Lyon?
Relatives of Saint Aurelian of Lyon: Aurélien (father) and Adalouas (mother).
Annexes & related entities
Structured data for exploration: events, miracles, quotes, places, attributes, patronages, and important entities cited in the text.
Key Events
- Archdeacon of Autun
- Abbot of Alenay (Ainay)
- Governance of the abbeys of Saint-Claude and Nantua
- Foundation of the Abbey of Seyssieu in 859
- Elevation to the metropolitan see of Lyon in 875
- Participation in the Council of Ponthion in 876
- Participation in the Council of Troyes in 878
- Welcomed religious from Saint-Maur-des-Fossés fleeing the Normans