Episode 1856: St Saturninus

Saint Saturninus, also known as Saint Sernin, was a Christian martyr and missionary who lived during the early days of Christianity in Gaul (modern-day France). His life is shrouded in legend, and historical accounts about him are somewhat limited, but his impact on early Christianity in the region is significant.

According to tradition, Saturninus was born in the city of Tyre, located in present-day Lebanon. He later traveled to Rome and became ordained as a priest by Pope Fabian. Afterward, he embarked on a missionary journey to Gaul, preaching and converting people to Christianity in various cities and towns.

Saturninus is most closely associated with the city of Toulouse in southern France, where he is said to have arrived around the end of the 3rd century or the beginning of the 4th century. He quickly gained a following among the local population, performing miracles and baptizing many converts.

However, Saturninus's bold proclamation of the Christian faith eventually attracted the attention of local authorities, who viewed Christianity as a threat to the established order. According to tradition, he was arrested during a period of persecution under the Roman Emperor Decius or Diocletian, though the exact details vary in different accounts.

The most famous episode in the life of Saturninus is his martyrdom. Legend holds that he was dragged through the streets of Toulouse, subjected to various forms of torture, and ultimately condemned to death. The traditional account states that he was tied to a bull and dragged through the city until he died. This brutal execution is often depicted in art and iconography depicting Saturninus.

After his death, Saturninus was venerated as a martyr by the early Christian community in Gaul. A basilica was built over his tomb in Toulouse, which became a major pilgrimage site and an important center of devotion in medieval Europe.

The following of Saint Saturninus continued to grow over the centuries, and he became one of the most revered saints in southern France.