Romanus (bishop of Rochester) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Romanus |
|
|---|---|
| Bishop of Rochester | |
| Reign ended | before 627 |
| Predecessor | Justus |
| Successor | Paulinus of York |
| Orders | |
| Consecration | c. 624 |
| Personal details | |
| Died | before 627 |
Romanus was an important early Christian leader in England. He was the second bishop of Rochester, a special church leader who guided people in their faith. Romanus was likely part of a group called the Gregorian mission. This mission came from Rome to Kent, a kingdom in England, to help the Anglo-Saxons learn about Christianity. Before this, many Anglo-Saxons followed their own traditional beliefs, often called paganism. Romanus became a bishop around the year 624. Sadly, he died before 627 by drowning. We don't know much else about his life.
Romanus's Journey and Role
Romanus probably came to England with Augustine of Canterbury's mission. Augustine was a famous missionary who brought Christianity to England. Romanus might have arrived in 597 with the first group of missionaries. Or, he could have come in 601 with a second group.
In 624, Romanus was made a bishop by his predecessor, Justus. This happened after Justus became the Archbishop of Canterbury, a very important church leader. Romanus then became the second bishop to serve in Rochester.
How Romanus Died
Romanus died before the year 627, probably around 625. He was on a trip to Rome for Archbishop Justus. While traveling, he drowned in the Mediterranean Sea near Italy. This happened before Justus himself died in 627.
We know Romanus was definitely gone by 633. That's when Paulinus of York became bishop at Rochester. Paulinus took over after he had to leave another area called Northumbria.
What We Know About Romanus
We don't know much about Romanus's life beyond these facts. Most of the information comes from a medieval writer named Bede. Bede wrote a famous book called Historia ecclesiastica gentis Anglorum.
Bede mentions Romanus twice in his book. First, he talks about Romanus becoming a bishop. Bede says that Justus "consecrated Romanus as Bishop of Rochester in his place." Second, Bede mentions Romanus's death. He wrote that "the church of Rochester was in great need of a pastor." This was because Romanus, who had been sent to the Pope, "had been drowned at sea off Italy."
Romanus is also mentioned in some old English records. These include the Winchester and Peterborough versions of the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. However, these records likely got their information from Bede's book.
See also
