Saint Ado of Vienne

Biography

Saint Ado of Vienne, also known as Adon, Adone, and Adonis, was a prominent figure in the French Catholic Church during the 9th century. Born into the aristocratic family of France, Ado received a comprehensive education at Ferrières Abbey. Despite his privileged background, Ado felt called to a life of religious devotion and renounced his noble title and inheritance. He entered the Benedictine monastery at Ferrières and dedicated himself to the monastic way of life. Known for his scholarly pursuits, Ado soon became a respected teacher at Prüm Abbey, responding to the request of its abbot. However, discord among the brothers of Prüm Abbey forced Ado to return to his homeland. Undeterred by the setback, he embarked on a pilgrimage to Rome, Italy, where he spent two years immersing himself in the holy sites and religious learning. After his time in Rome, Ado settled in Ravenna, Italy, where he dedicated his efforts to revising and publishing an updated version of the Roman Martyrology in 858. In recognition of his intellectual and spiritual contributions, Ado was appointed as the pastor of Saint Romanus church in Lyon by Archbishop Saint Remigius. It was during this period that he showcased his reformative instincts, seeking to bring positive change to his diocese. Ado's commitment to enlightening his fellow clergy and congregation led him to write biographies of prominent saints such as Saint Desiderius and Saint Theuderius. Additionally, his scholarly pursuits extended to recording a comprehensive world history text. In 859, Ado's dedication and reputation earned him a significant promotion when Pope Saint Nicholas I appointed him as the Archbishop of Vienne, France. As the Archbishop, Ado ardently pursued significant reforms within his diocese, both in terms of religious practices and the conduct of his clergy. He proved to be a steadfast advocate for the welfare of his flock and worked diligently to strengthen the faith in his domain. One of the most notable episodes in Ado's career was his opposition to the actions of Lothair II of Lorraine. The king sought to set aside his wife, Theutberga, in favor of his mistress, an act that Ado considered morally wrong. Demonstrating his commitment to upholding the sanctity of marriage, Ado led the effort to annul the synod of Metz's approval of Lothair's actions, siding with Theutberga and opposing the king's endeavor. Saint Ado of Vienne is often depicted in artwork as a monk engrossed in the study of Scripture in a library, symbolizing his devotion to learning and dedication to religious understanding. He was canonized as a saint before the formal establishment of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, making him a saint of the Pre-Congregation era. Saint Ado passed away in Vienne, France in 875, succumbing to natural causes. Sadly, his relics were destroyed by the Huguenots during the religious conflicts of the 16th century. Nevertheless, his extensive contributions to the Church, scholarly pursuits, and reformative efforts continue to inspire and touch the lives of believers around the world.