TODAY'S SAINT (Fulgentius of Ruspe)

FULGENTIUS OF RUSPE

(468-533)

Bishop of Ruspe, Father of the Church

Fabius Claudius Gordianus Fulgentius was born at Telepte (Thelepte), in the North African province of Byzacena, in 468. His Grandfather, Gordianus, had been a seator in Carthage who had been exiled to Italy by the Vandals; but the family still owned property and had status in the region. Fulgentius's father, Claudius, died soon after his birth, and he was brought up by his mother, Mariana. He was well educated and when he came of age help Mariana manage the family estate, Proving himself in his abilities, he was appointed procurater of Telepte and tax receiver of Byzacena.

However, he was drawn to the religious life. After practicing austerities privately for a time, he entered a local monstery when he was 22. There he became ill form excessive abstinence, but recovered. When renewed persecutions forced the abbot to flee, Fulgentius also left, going to another monastery, this run by a friend of his named Felix. Felix tried to abdicate in favor of Fulgentius, but the two finally agreed on a corule, Felix caring for the house while Fulgentius instructed the brethren.

Felix and Fulgentius rulled together for six years until in 499 they were forced to flee invading Numidians. They went to Sicca Veneria, where they were arrested on the demand of an Arian priest, Scourged, and tortured, but finally released when they refused to deny their faith. The two monks then split up, Fulgentius intending to visit the anchorites in the Egyptian desert, though he instead went to Rome where in 500 he visited the tombs of the Apostles. when he returned to Byzacena, he built his own monastery, though he chose to live apart as a hermit.

During this peiod, the Vandals did not allow orthodox Catholic bishops to be elected in Africa, and several sees fell vacant. Finally, in 508, the remaining North African bishops decided to get new bishops in place before the Vandals could stop them. Fearing he would be elected, Fulgentius went into hidinng. He returned when he thought all of the vacancies had been filled, but unfortunately for him landed at the seaport of Ruspe (now Kudiat Rosfa, Tunisia), where the election had been delayed. He was promptly elected and consecrated bishop of a town he had never before seen.

He quickly erected a new monastery, placing Felix in charge. However, it was not long before he and the 60 other new bishops were exiled to Sardinia. Fulgentius quickly emerged as spokesman of this community, and in Cagliari founded yet another monastery. There he began writing an important series of theological works addressing the Arian heresy, some of which came to the attention of the Vandal king Thrasimund. In 515, Thrasimund had Fulgentius taken to Carthage for discussions with the Arian clergy.

In Carthage, Fulgentius found a receptive audience among the city folk. His presence became a threat to the Aarians, who insisted that he be deported. He was put aboard ship one night but contrary winds keept it in port for the next several days and many were able to take his leave and to receive Holy Communion from his hands. To one weeping religious man, he prophesied his speedy return and the liberty of the african Church. This came with the death of Thrasimund in 523. Fulgentius returned to his monastery outside Ruspe, where he continued to rule for the remaining years of his life, insisting on austerity for himself and his priests.

Perhaps sensing his end was near, in 532 Fulgentius suddenly left Ruspe and retired to a small monastery he had caused to be built on the island of Circinia (Circe). His flock did not permit him to remain there long, however, and shortly after his return to Ruspe, he fell ill. He was sick for 70 days before expiring on January 1, 533. He was 65, and in the 25th year of his episcopate. So beloved was he for his gifts of oratory that he was buried within his church, contrary to the law and custom of his age.

Feast: January 1 (Foormerly January 3)