Maximus, Bishop of Riez, Saint

MASSIMO, bishop of

V. RIEZ, saint

Born at Décomer in Provence toward the end of the 4th century; piously educated by his parents, he soon distinguished himself in virtue. He entered the monastery of Lerina, where in 426 he was elected abbot. In 433 he was appointed bishop of Riez; he shone by his apostolic zeal and the exercise of virtues, confirmed also by many miracles.

He took part in the Synods of Riez (439), Oranges (441), Vaison (442), and Arles (454). In 451 he approved the Tomus ad Flavianum of Pope Leo the Great. He died on 27 Nov., perhaps in 460, certainly before 462, when Fausto was already bishop of Riez, and was buried in the church of St. Peter which he himself had built and which a century later took his name. His successor Fausto wrote a eulogy of him, and about 585 a certain Dinamio wrote his biography. He is commemorated on 27 Nov.