Rusticus (archbishop of Lyon) facts for kids

Saint Rusticus (born around 455 – died April 25, 501) was an important church leader. He served as the Archbishop of Lyon from 494 until his death in 501. He is honored as a saint in the Catholic Church, and his special day is April 25.

His Family Background

Rusticus came from a noble family in Lyon. His parents were Aquilinus and Tullia. His mother, Tullia, was the daughter of Saint Eucherius, who was also a very respected church leader. Rusticus also had a brother named St. Viventiolus.

Becoming a Bishop

Before becoming a bishop, Rusticus worked for many years as a judge. Around the year 494, he became the Archbishop of Lyon, taking over from Lupicinus.

Soon after he became bishop, Rusticus sent money to Pope Gelasius I. The Pope wrote back to him in February 494. He asked Rusticus to help Epiphanius of Pavia, who was traveling to Gaul. Epiphanius was trying to free people who had been captured by the Burgundian king Gundobad. Rusticus helped free many captives, including 400 people from Lyon.

His Marriage and Children

Before 480, Rusticus married Hiberie de Limoges. Her father was Ruricius, who was the Bishop of Limoges.

Rusticus and Hiberie had three children:

• St. Sacerdos: He later became the Archbishop of Lyon, just like his father.
• Leontius, Archbishop of Lyon: He also became the Archbishop of Lyon.
• Artemia: She married a man named Florentinus. They had important children, including:
  • Gondulf of Provence: He became a Duke and later the Bishop of Metz.
  • St. Nicetius: He also became the Archbishop of Lyon.

Sources

• Sidonius Apollinaris, The Letters of Sidonius (Oxford: Clarendon, 1915) (orig.), pp. clx-clxxxiii; List of Correspondents, Notes, V.ix.1.