Saint Liminius of Auvergne

Biography

Saint Liminius of Auvergne, also known as Limin, Liminéè, Limineo, Limiunius, and Linguin, was a companion of Saint Antholian of Auvergne. He was martyred by the pagan Alamanni under the leadership of Chrocus during their invasion of the Auvergne region of Gaul. Saint Gregory of Tours, a renowned bishop and historian, wrote about him in his history of the time. Not much is known about Saint Liminius' early life or family background. However, his faith in Christianity led him to become one of the brave missionaries in Gaul during a time of pagan dominance. Liminius, together with Saint Antholian, worked tirelessly to spread the Gospel and bring the light of Christ to the people of Auvergne. During the Alamanni invasion, Saint Liminius and his companion faced great persecution and hostility. The pagan invaders not only rejected their message but also sought to eradicate Christianity from the region. In the face of adversity, Liminius remained steadfast in his faith and commitment to Christ. He courageously continued to preach the Gospel, despite the dangers and threats surrounding him. Saint Liminius' martyrdom occurred around the year 265 in Auvergne, France. It is said that he was captured by the Alamanni and subjected to severe tortures for refusing to renounce his faith. However, he persevered in his conviction until the end. Eventually, Liminius was put to death for his unwavering commitment to Jesus Christ. After his martyrdom, Saint Liminius was buried in the basilica of Saint Vénérand in Clermont-Ferrand, France. His relics, along with those of Saint Antholian, were enshrined in the church of St-Allyre Abbey in Clermont and the priory of Thuret. These relics served as a powerful reminder of their sacrifice and were revered as conduits of divine grace. Unfortunately, during the anti-Christian persecutions of the French Revolution in 1793, many relics were destroyed. It is believed that the relics of Saint Liminius met the same fate, leaving only a memory of his sanctity. Although Saint Liminius does not have any known patronage or specific representations, his memory lives on through the writings of Saint Gregory of Tours and the traditions of the early Church. His feast days were celebrated on the Sunday following May 13th, and previously on March 29th in St-Allyre Abbey, Clermont, France, as well as on May 13th in Thuret, France. In addition, he is commemorated on February 6th as one of the confessors of Auvergne. Saint Liminius was canonized before the official establishment of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, known as Pre-Congregation. His courageous witness to the Christian faith and his martyrdom make him a cherished figure in the history of the Auvergne region and an inspiring example of unwavering devotion to Christ.