Saint Leontius of Fréjus

Leontius of Fréjus (French: Léonce de Fréjus) (c. 395-443) was a bishop of Fréjus, in Provence. He was likely born in the city later to be called Nîmes, towards the end of the fourth century; he died in his episcopal town in 443, according to some authorities. Although others say 488, his period of activity and circle of friends make that unlikely for this individual. He is venerated as a saint in the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches; his feast day is 1 December. The date of his episcopal ordination is uncertain, but most likely it took place between the years 400 and 419. Starting from an early date, he, alongside the Blessed Virgin, was considered patron of the cathedral church of Fréjus. There is reason to believe that he was a brother of Castor, Bishop of Apt, and that consequently like him he was a native of Nîmes. At times he has been mistaken for other persons of the same name, especially for Leontius, Bishop of Arles, who lived at the end of the fifth century. But besides the difference in time, the important events associated with the name of the latter Leontius render the identification impossible. The principal occurrence during the episcopate of Leontius of Fréjus was the establishment of Lérins Abbey at the beginning of the fifth century. The name of this bishop is inseparably united to that of Honoratus, the founder of the monastery, who was ordained by Leontius. Leontius seems to have played an important part in the development of the monastic life in the south-east of Gaul. Honoratus called him his superior and his father, whilst John Cassian who governed the numerous religious of the Abbey of St. Victor, Marseille, dedicated most of his "Conferences" to him. The relations of Lérins Abbey to the diocesan bishop were very cordial. Special privileges were granted by Leontius to Honoratus, with whom he was intimately united in the bonds of friendship.