Aventin

Saint Aventin was a Frankish saint and hermit of the 8th century.[1][2]

For other uses, see Aventin (disambiguation).
Portail de l'église de Saint-Aventin, photographie d'Eugène Trutat.

Life

Born near Bagnères-de-Luchon in the Pyrenees, Aventin became a hermit in the valley of Larboust.

Legends

A legend says that he performed many miracles. In one story, he was taken prisoner by Saracen invaders and he was locked in the Tower of Castel-Blancat, Saccourvielle. To escape he leapt from the top of the Tower, crossed the entire Valley and fell back without harm on the other side, printing his footprint in a stone. This stone is still visible on the threshold of the chapel built at this location.

In another, Aventin was beheaded but picked up his head and walked to the place where would be his tomb. Centuries later, this location was revealed to a shepherd who put the remains of Aventine on a sledge drawn by cows, which stopped at the place where now the village of Saint-Aventin stands.[3]

After his death there occurred an outbreak of plague ravaging the region. The local population appealed to the protection of Saint Aventin and the scourge disappeared.

Veneration

The cult of saint Aventin is found in the Val d'Aran and Aragon. On his birthday, 13 June, there was a pilgrimage to his village. The Revolution saw the end of this tradition.

  • Bas-relief, portail de l’église Saint-Aventin
    Bas-relief, portail de l’église Saint-Aventin
  • La tour de Castel-Blancat
    La tour de Castel-Blancat
  • Découverte du corps de saint Aventin par un taureau, église de Saint-Aventin
    Découverte du corps de saint Aventin par un taureau, église de Saint-Aventin
  • La Chapelle du Miracle
    La Chapelle du Miracle

References
  1. Nominis : Saint Aventin.
  2. Notice historique sur Saint-Aventin d'Aquitaine, martyr, par un prêtre du diocèse, Toulouse, Bon et Privat, 1850 ; rééd. Montréjeau, imp. Fabbro, 1988
  3. Notice historique sur Saint-Aventin d'Aquitaine, martyr, par un prêtre du diocèse, Toulouse (Bon et Privat, 1850), 1988.
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