Braulio of Zaragoza facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Saint Braulio
Braulio and Isidore of Seville. From the Isidori libri originum, second half of the 10th century.
Born	585
Died	651
Venerated in	Eastern Orthodox Church Roman Catholic Church
Major shrine	Nuestra Señora del Pilar
Feast	26 March, 18 March (Spain)
Patronage	Aragon

Braulio (born 585 AD, died 651 AD) was an important religious leader. He served as the bishop of Zaragoza, a city in what is now Spain. Braulio was a very learned person who lived during the time of the Visigothic Kingdom.

Braulio's Life and Work

Braulio came from a noble family in Spain. His father was also a bishop. In 610, Braulio decided to become a monk. He then went to study with Isidore of Seville, a famous scholar, in the city of Seville.

Studying with Isidore

Isidore of Seville believed that education was very important. He used it to help people learn and to spread knowledge. Braulio learned a lot from Isidore. In 624, Isidore made Braulio a priest.

Becoming a Bishop

In 625, Braulio went back to Zaragoza. His brother, John, was the bishop there. Braulio worked as an archdeacon, helping his brother. When John died in 631, Braulio became the new bishop of Zaragoza.

As bishop, Braulio was known for helping the poor and for his powerful sermons. He was also a trusted advisor to several Visigoth kings. One king, Chindasuinth, even took Braulio's advice to make his son, Recceswinth, a co-king.

Working with Isidore on Etymologiae

Braulio and Isidore worked together to help the Visigoths. They wanted to convert them from a different Christian belief called Arianism to the main Christian faith.

Braulio also encouraged Isidore to write his huge encyclopedia, the Etymologiae. This book was a collection of almost everything known at the time. Braulio even helped to organize and correct the book. He divided it into 20 different parts. Braulio called it "practically everything that it is necessary to know."

Later Life and Legacy

Braulio attended important church meetings called councils of Toledo in 633, 636, and 638. He also defended the Spanish clergy when Pope Honorius I said they were not doing their duties well.

Towards the end of his life, Braulio lost his eyesight. He passed away in 651 AD. He was buried in the church of Nuestra Señora del Pilar Basilica in Zaragoza. His student, Taius, became the next bishop of Zaragoza.

Today, Saint Braulio is buried in La Seo Cathedral in Zaragoza. He is considered the patron saint of Aragon, a region in Spain, and of the University of Zaragoza.

See also

In Spanish: Braulio de Zaragoza para niños