Feast Day: May 16
Saint Peregrinus of Auxerre, also known as Pellegrino, was a prominent missionary and bishop who dedicated his life to spreading the teachings of Christianity in Gaul, which is modern-day France. Born in Rome, Italy, he was sent by Pope Saint Sixtus II to serve as the first bishop of Auxerre in Gaul. Peregrinus was not alone in his mission, as he worked closely with another saint, Saint Curcodomus of Auxerre. Together, they tirelessly preached the Gospel and converted many people to Christianity. Their efforts were met with both acceptance and resistance, as the region was mostly pagan. It was during his missionary work in Auxerre that Peregrinus met his unfortunate fate. The area's imperial governor ordered the consecration of a temple to the pagan god Jupiter. Peregrinus, firmly dedicated to his Christian beliefs, could not remain silent in the face of such blasphemy. He bravely tried to interfere with the consecration, emphasizing the worship of the one true God. Unfortunately, his actions did not sit well with the governor, who viewed Peregrinus as a threat to the established order. In a shocking turn of events, Peregrinus was captured and subsequently martyrdom became his destiny. He was sentenced to death and beheaded in the town of Bouhy, France, around 261 AD. The heroic actions and unwavering faith of Saint Peregrinus did not go unnoticed, and he quickly became revered as a martyr. His courageous stand for the Christian faith, even at the cost of his own life, became an inspiration for many. Today, Saint Peregrinus of Auxerre is venerated as a holy martyr and is recognized as the patron saint of Entrampo and Ovaro in Italy. His feast day is celebrated on May 16th in remembrance of his martyrdom and his significant contributions to the early Christian community in Gaul. While Saint Peregrinus of Auxerre's physical representation is not widely known, his spiritual presence continues to serve as a reminder of the importance of faith, courage, and dedication in the face of adversity. Though his pre-congregation status is not specified, it can be inferred that he is part of the Post-Congregation era. Through his enduring legacy, Saint Peregrinus of Auxerre continues to inspire countless individuals to embrace their faith and stand up for what they believe in. His life serves as a testament to the power of unwavering devotion and the ultimate sacrifice made for one's beliefs.