Saint of the Day – 24 September – Saint Rusticus of Clermont( Died 446) Bishop and Confessor

Saint of the Day – 24 September – Saint Rusticus of Clermont (Died 446) Bishop of Clermont, Confessor – the Seventh Bishop of Clermont in Auvergne, concerning whose election Saint Gregory of Tours relates, that it was brought about by a special intervention of Divine Providence. Born in Auvergne, France and died in 446 in Clermont, Auvergne of natural causes. Also known as – Rustique, Rotiri. Rusticus of Auvergne.

Rusticus was a Priest in Clermont, remarkable for the sanctity of his manners. He was a native of the Diocess and had the administration of a Parish there. This is all which is known, with any cerntainty, concerning his life.

When the former Bishop, Venerandus, died on the 24th of December, 423,. It is said that an assembly of citizens were adiscussing candidates to succeed Venerandus, when a veiled Nun told them to let the Lord make the choice and the chosen would appear.

At that moment, Rusticus arrived and the woman cried out that he was the one appointed by the Lord.

Rusticus duly succeeded as the Bishop of Clermont. His term as the Bishop was 22 years long , from 424 to 446. He was succeeded by Saint Namatius, who was the Bishop from 446 to 462 and founded Clermont Cathedral.