Fabius Claudius Gordianus Fulgentius used the position of his family, his intelligence, and his travels in order to dedicate his life to God. A supporter of St. Augustine, he lived his life for God and left behind writings of great theological value. He is now known as Saint Fulgentius of Ruspe.
Birth and Family Circumstances
Fulgentius was born into a well-off family in the African province of Byzacena (present day Tunisia). Gordianus, his grandfather, had formerly been a senator in Carthage prior to exile to Italy. The family later recovered property in Byzacena.
His father, Claudius, died soon after Fulgentius' birth, leaving him to be raised by his mother, Mariana. As with most wealthy families of the day, Fulgentius received a good education.
As an adult, he helped his mother manage the family estate and was given the appointment of fiscal procurator (a Roman title used for various government officials) of Telepte and tax receiver of Byzacena.
Religious Calling and Early Life in the Church
Unhappy in his position as tax collector, Fulgentius felt a draw toward a religious life. He entered a local monastery when he was 22. He had been practicing austerities privately, but became sick soon after joining the monastery from excessive abstinence.
Along with many of his fellow monks and his abbot, Fulgentius was forced to flee due to religious persecution. He then joined another monastery and divided the leadership with his friend Felix. Invasion by the Moors forced him and his brethren to flee again. Fulgentius then went on a pilgrimage to Rome (to visit the tombs of the Apostles). When the North African bishops attempted to fill vacant seats, he went into hiding to avoid being appointed.
Notable Actions While in the Church
Fulgentius came out of the hiding when he believed the vacant seats were filled, and traveled back to Byzacena. Landing at the port in Ruspe, he was immediately elected bishop. In fulfilling his new duties as bishop, he build a new monastery. Soon, however, he and the other bishops were exiled to Sardinia. In Cagliari, Sardinia, he founded another monastery and became known as a speaker. It was at this time he began his writings.
He answered the Arian heresy and became a spokesman for the people of Carthage, before being exiled yet once again. He also wrote multiple treatises in support of St. Augustine, in addition to multiple books. Along with his academic achievements, he was known for his love of God and his humility. He wrote: "To you I cry out, Lord, I ask my God for help. No one asks for help if he does not recognize his need, nor does he think he can keep what he has by trusting only in his own virtue" (Pope), which is still cited as an example of trust in God.
Fulgentius' Death
After his exile from Carthage, he spent years in a monastery outside Ruspe. He went to Circe (Island of Circinia) for almost a year, which he spent in strict austerity. His parishioners persuaded him to return and he spent his final days in Ruspe.
e was ill for 70 days before passing on January 1, 533.
Details of Fulgentius' Sainthood
Fulgentius was canonized and given the designation "Father of the Church." His feast day is celebrated on January 1. Feast days are days dedicated to the commemoration of a certain person and celebrates their passing into Heaven. He is not considered the "patron" saint of any particular cause.
A Saint of Theological Knowledge
Though a lesser known saint than many others, Saint Fulgentius of Ruspe was well-known during his time as a theologian and a person of great faith and ability. He is best known for his writings and his support of St. Augustine. His life was a series of one traumatic event after another, during which he kept his faith and earned the title of 'saint.'
Sources:
- Chapman, John. (1914) The Catholic Encyclopedia. San Diego, Catholic Answers, 2007.
- Guiley, Rosemary Ellen. (2001). The Encyclopedia of Saints. Visionary Living, Inc. Checkmark Books, New York, NY. ISBN 0816041342.
- Pope John Paul II. (2004, May 12). Psalm 30: "A hymn of thanksgiving for deliverance from death and from the experience of trial and crisis." Address to General Audience.
Join the Conversation