| Saint Veredemus | |
| Birth Date: | 640 |
| Death Date: | 720 AD |
| Feast Day: | June 17;[1] August 20[2] |
| Venerated In: | Roman Catholic Church |
| Birth Place: | prob. Greece |
| Death Place: | Gaul |
| Titles: | Bishop |
| Patronage: | invoked for rain; patron of shepherds at Crau, France |
Saint Veredemus (also Veredemius; French: Saint Vérédème, Vrème, Vrime<ref name="millesimo">{{cite web|url=http://www.palaeographia.org/millesimo/mmo/Notice/notice.htm?P=extraDoc/geoFrame.htm|title=Table géographique des saints|publisher=Millesimo|accessdate=January 3, 2014) was an 8th-century hermit who become bishop of Avignon around 700 AD. According to tradition, he was of Greek origin and was born around 640 AD.[3] Veredemus settled at Gaul as a hermit, in the valley of the Durance.[3] A grotto associated with Veredemus is located at the Gorge du Gardon.[3] He was a companion of Saint Giles and at the death of Saint Agricola of Avignon was chosen as bishop of Avignon.[3] He served as bishop until around 720 AD.[3]
Veredemus' hermitage at the gorges of Gardon is the oldest Christian structure in lower Languedoc, dating from 8th century AD.[3] Its apse is decorated with 8th-century paintings.[3]
Veredemus is venerated at Cavaillon, Apt, and Carpentras, and a fête Saint-Vérédème is celebrated at Eyguières.[4] Until the 1960s, the inhabitants of Sanilhac would make the pilgrimage to Veredemus’ grotto on the Gardon to pray for abundant rain.[3] He was the patron saint of the shepherds of the plains of Crau.[3]