Saint Justus of Lyon

Biography

Saint Justus of Lyon, also known as Just, Justo, and Giusto, was a prominent figure in the early Christian Church. He was born in Vivarais, Gaul (modern-day France), and dedicated his life to serving God and spreading the teachings of the Catholic faith. Justus began his religious journey as a deacon in Vienne, France, where he diligently served the local community. His deep devotion and commitment to his faith soon caught the attention of his superiors, and he was ordained a priest. With his strong faith and exceptional leadership qualities, Justus was eventually appointed as the Bishop of Lyon around the year 350. During his time as Bishop of Lyon, Justus became known for his unwavering commitment to opposing the Arian heresy. Arianism, which denied the divinity of Christ, had gained significant influence in the region and posed a serious threat to the Catholic Church. Justus fearlessly stood up against this heresy and dedicated himself to upholding the true teachings of Christianity. One of the remarkable events in Saint Justus' life occurred when a violent and mentally unstable criminal sought sanctuary in Lyon's cathedral after attacking innocent people on the streets. Despite the tradition of sanctuary and the sanctity of the church, an enraged mob disregarded these principles and seized and killed the criminal. Witnessing this act and feeling disillusioned with the people of Lyon, Justus believed he had failed to bring them the true faith. Disheartened by these events, Saint Justus made the decision to leave his position as Bishop of Lyon. Alongside Saint Viator of Lyon, a fellow prayerful hermit, Justus retreated to the desert near Alexandria, Egypt, to live a life of solitude and contemplation. They spent the remainder of their days in fervent prayer, seeking solace in the quietude of the desert. Saint Justus of Lyon passed away in 390, in the Egyptian desert, of natural causes. His relics were later returned to Lyon, France, and he was buried in the cemeterial basilica of the Machabees in Lyon. His life and dedicated service to God were recognized by the Catholic Church, and he was canonized as a saint, though the exact date of his canonization remains unknown. Today, Saint Justus is venerated by Catholics worldwide, particularly in Lyon, France, where his relics are enshrined. He is commemorated on several feast days, including September 2nd, August 4th (in celebration of the translation of his relics in Lyon), October 14th, and October 21st on some calendars. Although he does not have a specific patronage, Saint Justus of Lyon is revered as a role model for his unwavering faith, his dedication to defending the true teachings of Christianity, and his ultimate pursuit of a contemplative life in the service of God.