Saint Desideratus of Verdun

Biography

Saint Desideratus of Verdun, also known as Desiderato, Desiderius, Désiré, or Didier, was born around 480 in Dijon, France. He came from the Gallic nobility, being the son of Gondebald de Bourgogne of Lyons and an unidentified noble woman from Soissons. He was also a grandson of Latinus of Burgundy. Desideratus was married to a noble woman from Toulouse, and together they had two to four children (historical records vary on the exact number and names of their children). One of their children, Saint Syagrius of Autun, would also become a revered saint in the Catholic Church. In 529, Desideratus was chosen as the bishop of Verdun, France. He served in this position for a remarkable 25 years until his death. His tenure as the bishop began with turbulent times and involvement in Gallic politics. He endured persecution, imprisonment, torture, impoverishment, and even exile under the rule of Theodoric I. However, during the reign of Theodoric's son, Theudebert I, Desideratus returned to Verdun. He used his influence at the royal court to bring about positive change and obtained funds from Theudebert to help the poor in his diocese. Throughout his life, Desideratus actively participated in various church councils. He attended the Council of Clermont in 535, where important matters of faith and church governance were discussed. Later, in 549, he also took part in the Council of Orléans. Desideratus had a significant impact on the religious life of the diocese of Verdun. He ordained Saint Agericus of Verdun, who would later become his successor as bishop. Through his faithful and dedicated service, Desideratus worked tirelessly to strengthen the Catholic faith and deepen the spirituality of the faithful in his community. Unfortunately, Saint Desideratus of Verdun met a tragic and untimely end. He was murdered by Sirivaid, not because of his faith, but due to political reasons. His assassination occurred on May 8, 554. Desideratus was laid to rest in the garden of the abbey of Saint Vanne of Verdun. Although Saint Desideratus of Verdun's representations and patronages are not precisely documented, his memory and veneration have persisted throughout the centuries. His feast day is celebrated on August 23 in some calendars, and there is a secondary feast day on May 8. Saint Desideratus of Verdun was canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church before the formal establishment of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints.