Saints Rasyphus (Rasiphus) and Ravennus (French: Saints Rasyphe et Raven, Ravenne[1]) (fifth century[2]) are venerated as Christian saints and martyrs. According to Christian tradition, they were natives of Britain who fled their country during the Anglo-Saxon invasions. They settled in Gaul and became hermits. They were then martyred, perhaps by Goths who adhered to Arianism.
Saints Rasyphus and Ravennus | |
|---|---|
| Born | Britain |
| Died | 5th century Bayeux or Macé |
| Venerated in | Catholic Church Western Orthodoxy |
| Feast | 23 July |
| Attributes | palms of martyrdom |
The myth of foundation associated with the parish church of St-Aubin in Macé, Normandy, states that the two saints founded their hermitage near the site of the current building, near a miraculous spring of water.[3]
There are several versions of their martyrdom. The first states that they were tossed against a great block of sandstone. Their heads dented the stone but the two saints were not hurt (there are two visible prints in the church of St-Aubin of Macé that are considered to be the marks made by the heads of the two saints).[3] They were then decapitated and buried near the present grounds of St-Aubin de Macé; a tombstone marks the site of their former grave.[3]
Veneration
editThe two saints were venerated as great healers, responsible for many miracles.[3] They were venerated in the diocese of Séez.[4]
Their relics were taken from St-Aubin to Bayeux Cathedral during the Viking invasions. The relics were then taken to Caen during the Wars of Religion.[3] Finally, they were taken to Grancey in Champagne, where they rest today.[3] Their feast day is 23 July.
A medieval text called Ravennus et Rasiphus mm. Baiocis exists.[5]
Notes
edit- ^ VD automne 2004
- ^ The Catholic Encyclopedia states that they were martyred in the 3rd century (http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/13681d.htm).
- ^ a b c d e f Macé
- ^ Catholic Encyclopedia: Seez
- ^ BHLms - Dossier hagiographique
External links
edit- Rasyphus and Ravennus
- (in French) L'ÉGLISE St-AUBIN de MACÉ (includes image of the two saints)
- Diocèse de Séez at the Catholic Encyclopedia