Saint Ursicinus of Cahors

Biography

Saint Ursicinus of Cahors, also known as Urcis, Urcisse, Urcsicinus, Ursicin, and Ursicino, was a monk, abbot, and an influential figure in the early history of the Church. He is best known as the ninth bishop of Cahors, France, serving in the early 580s. Saint Ursicinus was highly regarded by his contemporaries, as he is mentioned by Saint Gregory of Tours in several of his writings. His prominence is reflected in his role as the chancellor of Queen Ultragotha, which further emphasizes his standing within the Church and society. During his tenure as bishop, Saint Ursicinus found himself in a dispute with a fellow bishop who accused him of assuming control over several parishes outside of his diocese. The accusation also included him allegedly accepting the tithes attached to these parishes. However, in a display of justice and integrity, Saint Ursicinus was proven innocent of these charges by a council of bishops. Unfortunately, his troubles did not end there. A year later, Saint Ursicinus was excommunicated and sentenced to a three-year-long period of penance by another council. These severe measures were taken against him for the "crime" of sympathizing with a man who had rebelled against the ruling Merovingian dynasty. This incident marked a turning point in Saint Ursicinus' life and ministry. The subsequent years of Saint Ursicinus' life remain shrouded in mystery. While we lose track of his activities after the aforementioned excommunication, surviving sacramentaries and psalters from later centuries bear witness to the enduring devotion to him. His memory lived on through the celebration of his feast day on December 13th, the existence of villages named after him, and the presence of churches dedicated to him within the Cahors diocese. Saint Ursicinus passed away around the year 595, peacefully succumbing to natural causes. His holiness and dedication to the Church were widely recognized, and although he was canonized prior to the formalization of the canonization process, his status as a saint is widely acknowledged. While there is not much information available about Saint Ursicinus' specific patronages or representations, his life and legacy continue to inspire and guide those who seek devotion to him.