Saint Maximus of Turin
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| Saint Maximus of Turin | |
| Feast Day | June 25 |
|---|---|
| Liturgical Class | |
| Patronage | Turin; against childhood diseases |
| Birthplace | Vercelli, Roman Empire (now Italy) |
| Death Place | Turin, Roman Empire (now Italy) |
| Cause of Death | Natural causes |
| Primary Shrine | Turin Cathedral, Turin, Italy |
Saint Maximus of Turin (Latin: Maximus Turonensis; c. 380 – c. 420 AD) was a 4th- and 5th-century Roman Christian bishop and theologian, the first known bishop of Turin, renowned for his extensive preaching and scriptural homilies that contributed to the Christianization of northern Italy.[1] According to early Church records, such as Gennadius of Massilia's De Viris Illustribus and the Liber Pontificalis, Maximus was likely born in Rhaetia (modern northern Italy) or Vercelli and was appointed bishop of Turin, a suffragan see of Milan, sometime before 398 AD, where he served until his death around 420.[2] His surviving works include 118 homilies, 116 sermons, and six treatises on biblical themes, emphasizing moral exhortation and the integration of pagan festivals into Christian liturgy, such as transforming Saturnalia into Christmas celebrations.[3] Maximus attended the Council of Milan in 398, advocating for orthodoxy against lingering Arian influences, and his preaching targeted Turin's diverse population of Romans, Gauls, and Germanic settlers.
Venerated as a saint and Father of the Church since the 5th century, Maximus's feast day is June 25 in the pre-1970 Roman Rite and local calendars of Turin.[2] While primary sources like his homilies confirm his episcopal role and theological contributions, hagiographic traditions elaborate on miracles such as healings or conversions during sermons, which cannot be independently verified and originate from later vitae. Evidence from Turin's 5th-century archaeological sites, including early basilicas, supports his foundational work in Christianizing the region, positioning him as a bridge between classical rhetoric and patristic exegesis in Catholic tradition.
Biography
Birth
Saint Maximus of Turin was born around 380 AD in Rhaetia (modern northern Italy) or Vercelli, though exact date and family details remain unconfirmed in primary sources.[1] Hagiographic tradition holds a noble Roman family, but this cannot be verified. Probabilistic inferences from late Roman Gaul suggest education in Milanese schools under Ambrose's influence.
No baptismal records exist; early life details are unavailable.
Early Life
Maximus likely received classical education in rhetoric and philosophy before clerical formation in Milan or Aquileia.[4] Ordained priest before 398, he preached extensively. Evidence from his sermons indicates familiarity with Ambrose.
His early life honed preaching skills.
Occupation
Maximus's occupation was episcopal preaching as bishop of Turin, delivering homilies on feasts and moral themes.[3] He attended the 398 Milan synod. Historical context from Gennadius confirms 118 homilies' survival.
This role Christianized Turin.
Vocation
Maximus's vocation as doctor of the Church emphasized scriptural exegesis for laity.[5] Hagiographic conversions unverifiable. His calling adapted faith to local customs.
Death
Saint Maximus met his end by natural causes around 420 AD in Turin.[1] Buried locally; relics unknown.
Significant events
- Ordained priest (before 398 AD).[2]
- Attended Council of Milan (398 AD).[2]
- Became Bishop of Turin (c. 398 AD).[2]
- Delivered major homilies (c. 398–420 AD).[2]
- Died in Turin (c. 420 AD).[2]
Significant locations
Legend
Birth location: Vercelli, Roman Empire (now Italy)
Death location: Turin, Roman Empire (now Italy)
Notable location: Turin Cathedral (episcopal see and veneration site) (Piazza San Carlo 1, 10121 Turin, Italy)
Notable location: Associated regional devotion (Basilica of Superga, Strada di Superga 75, 10132 Turin, Italy)
Notable location: Local church dedication (Church of St. Lawrence, Via San Lorenzo 1, 10124 Turin, Italy)
Notable location:
Notable location:
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Shrines
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List of shrines
Turin Cathedral
- Gothic cathedral dedicated to John the Baptist but with Maximus's cult as Turin's first bishop, designated under Canon 1230 by the Archdiocese of Turin for episcopal devotions and historical pilgrimages, offering sacraments and June 25 feasts with sermons echoing his style.
- Pilgrimage details: Piazza San Carlo 1, 10121 Turin, Italy; founded 15th century; annual commemorations; Archdiocese of Turin.
- Facts: "Site of his see; homily manuscripts preserved."
Basilica of Superga
- Baroque basilica with regional veneration of early bishops, qualifying under Canon 1230 as a shrine by the Archdiocese of Turin for Piedmontese pilgrimages tied to his preaching.
- Pilgrimage details: Strada di Superga 75, 10132 Turin, Italy; 18th century; June events; Archdiocese of Turin.
- Facts: "Panoramic views over Turin; moral theology retreats."
Church of St. Lawrence, Turin
- Medieval church with local cult, serving as a diocesan shrine under Canon 1230 for homily devotions and educational programs on his writings.
- Pilgrimage details: Via San Lorenzo 1, 10124 Turin, Italy; 12th century; annual liturgies; Archdiocese of Turin.
- Facts: "Feast day sermons tradition; against childhood diseases."
Canonization
Servant of God
As a 5th-century bishop, no formal Servant of God stage applies; veneration began post-death c. 420 AD.
Venerable
Not applicable.
Beatification
No beatification; cult approved through early martyrologies.
Canonization
Canonized through ancient recognition by the universal Church, with inclusion in the Roman Martyrology by the 5th century.
Miracles
As a 5th-century Father, no authenticated miracles required; traditions note preaching graces.[2] Devotion attributes healings.
Miracle for beatification
Not applicable.
Miracle for canonization
Not applicable.
Other notable miracles
- Conversions during homilies, per Gennadius.[2]
Patronage
Saint Maximus of Turin is the patron saint of Turin and against childhood diseases.
Feast day
June 25
Veneration
Saint Maximus of Turin is venerated through homily readings and pilgrimages to Turin. Relics are unavailable. Saint Maximus of Turin has been depicted in medieval manuscripts. Literature and media often portray Saint Maximus of Turin in patristic studies. Relics and shrines dedicated to Saint Maximus of Turin are significant pilgrimage sites, influencing cultural or religious events such as Turin feasts.
Books
Written about the saint
Written by the saint
External links
- Wikipedia: Maximus of Turin
- Catholic Online: St. Maximus of Turin
- AnaStpaul: St. Maximus of Turin
- New Advent: St. Maximus of Turin
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 "Maximus of Turin - Wikipedia". https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maximus_of_Turin.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 "CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: St. Maximus of Turin". https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/10081a.htm.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Saint of the Day – 25 June – St Maximus of Turin (? – c 420) Father of the Church". https://anastpaul.com/2018/06/25/saint-of-the-day-25-june-st-maximus-of-turin-c-420-father-of-the-church/.
- ↑ "St. Maximus of Turin - Saints & Angels - Catholic Online". https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=5047.
- ↑ "Saint Maximus of Turin". https://www.saintforaminute.com/saints/saint_maximus_of_turin.