Saint Braulio of Saragossa

Biography

Saint Braulio of Saragossa, also known as Braulio, was born around 590 in Zaragoza, Spain. He came from a noble family and was the son of Gregory of Osma, a prominent Hispano-Roman bishop. Braulio's early years were shaped by his close association with the Church, as he grew up in a deeply religious environment. At a young age, Braulio entered the Saint Engratia's monastery in Zaragoza, where he became a monk. During his time there, he devoted himself to rigorous study and began to develop a reputation for his keen intellect. Recognizing his potential, Braulio was sent to Seville, Spain, to study under the renowned scholar Saint Isidore. Under Isidore's guidance, Braulio excelled in his studies. His dedication and passion for learning garnered him a reputation as an exceptional scholar. In 624, Braulio's brother, John, who was the archbishop of Zaragoza, ordained him as a priest. Braulio later became John's archdeacon, supporting the archbishop in his duties and responsibilities. In 631, Braulio was consecrated as the bishop of Zaragoza, taking on the role previously held by his brother. His deep commitment to his faith, along with his extensive knowledge, made him an influential figure within the Church. Braulio's expertise extended beyond theology; he was also a skilled writer, correspondent, and hagiographer. One of Braulio's major contributions to the Church was his role in combating Arianism, a heretical belief that denied the divinity of Christ. He played a crucial part in converting the Visigoths, who had adhered to Arianism, back to orthodox Christianity. Braulio's persuasive arguments and theological insights played a significant role in the success of this endeavor. Braulio was also known for his involvement in ecclesiastical councils. He attended the councils in Toledo in 633, 636, and 638, where he actively participated in discussions and decisions relating to theological matters, church governance, and the preservation of orthodoxy. One of Braulio's most notable collaborations was with Saint Isidore. Together, they worked on the creation of the seminal work "Etymologies." This encyclopedic text covered a wide range of subjects, including theology, philosophy, natural sciences, linguistics, and more. In later years, Isidore would be recognized as the patron saint of computers and the Internet, in part due to the influence of this groundbreaking work. As Braulio advanced in age, he faced the challenge of declining eyesight. This setback greatly saddened him, as it hindered his ability to continue his studies. His letters reflect the frustration he experienced at being unable to engage in scholarly activities due to his failing vision. Saint Braulio of Saragossa passed away around 651 in Zaragoza, Spain, succumbing to natural causes. He was buried in the church of Nuestra Señora Merced del Pilar. Later, Braulio would be venerated and recognized as a saint by the Catholic Church, although he was canonized before the formal establishment of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints. Today, Saint Braulio is venerated as the patron saint of Aragon, Spain, and the University of Zaragoza, which reflects his significant contributions as a scholar and bishop in his homeland. His life serves as a testament to the power of intellectual pursuit in service of faith and the Church.