Exuperius (Theban Legion) Explained

Saint Exuperius
Death Date:286 AD
Feast Day:22 September
Birth Place:Africa?
Death Place:Agaunum
Titles:Martyr
Attributes:Military attire
Patronage:Gembloux Abbey
Major Shrine:formerly Gembloux Abbey

Exuperius or Exupernis is venerated as a saint and martyr by the Catholic Church; according to tradition, he was the standard-bearer of the Theban Legion[1] and thus a companion to Saint Maurice.

Veneration

Exuperius’ relics were translated in the 10th century to Gembloux Abbey. This translation was performed by the monastery's founder, Saint Guibert (Guibertus), who dedicated the monastery in honor of Saint Peter and Saint Exuperius. The saint thus enjoyed special veneration at Gembloux; Sigebert of Gembloux wrote a long poem on the martyrdom of the Theban Legion.[2] The buildings of the abbey, which largely survived, are used for the Agronomical University of Gembloux.

Notes and References

  1. Henry Wace, A Dictionary of Christian Biography, Literature, Sects and Doctrines (1880), 439.
  2. http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/13783c.htm CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: Sigebert of Gembloux