Fronto of Périgueux

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St. Fronto in the church of Saint-Germain-de-Belvès

Fronto von Périgueux (Latin. Frontus , French. Saint Front ; † around 100 in Périgueux ?) Was the legendary first bishop of Périgueux and is considered a saint by the Roman Catholic Church ; his feast day is October 25th.

Vita

Fronto is first mentioned in the contemporary description of the life of Saint Gaugerich von Cambrais , who is said to have prayed at Fronto's grave in Périgueux around the year 600. The vita of Fronto itself is completely unknown. All curricula vitae that have emerged since the 8th century are more or less edited adaptations from other saints' lives, namely the Fronto of Nitria and later of Martha of Bethany and Martha of Limoges . The frequently encountered indication of the place of birth Lanquais is not certain and probably more traditional than factual.

In the tradition, Fronto is portrayed as a solitary follower of Peter who was consecrated bishop by him and sent from Rome to Gaul accompanied by the priest George. When George died on the journey, according to the legend of the saints, Fronto received a staff from Peter, with the help of which George was awakened and Périgueux could be proselytized. Fronto is also credited with a bilocation during the funeral of St. Martha of Bethany and the destruction of a statue of the god Mars in Périgueux.

Adoration

The veneration of Frontos in the Périgueux area goes back a long way. At the beginning of the 9th century Fronto's name is mentioned in the anonymous Martyrology of Lyon . Several medieval churches in Aquitaine are dedicated to him and some places bear his name. His relics were authenticated in 1261 and 1463, but they were largely destroyed by Protestants in 1575.

presentation

Medieval representations of frontos are not known. On numerous modern paintings, reliefs or glass windows he appears in the bishop's robe, sometimes as a dragon slayer .

Web links

Commons : Saint Front  - collection of images, videos and audio files

Individual evidence

personal data
SURNAME Fronto of Périgueux
ALTERNATIVE NAMES Frontus (Latin); Saint Front (French)
BRIEF DESCRIPTION Bishop of Périgueux and saint of the Roman Catholic Church
DATE OF BIRTH 1st century
DATE OF DEATH at 100
Place of death uncertain: Périgueux