Sulpicius Severus

Sulpicius Severus was born about 363 to a noble family in Aquitaine, in Roman Gaul, now southwestern France. He received an excellent education, studied law at Burdigala, now Bordeaux, and became known as an eloquent lawyer. He married the daughter of a wealthy family, but she died young. Under the influence of Martin, bishop of Tours, he gave his wealth to the Christian poor and turned to a life of prayer and good works, against his father's wishes but with the encouragement of his mother-in-law. His friend Paulinus of Nola wrote that he broke with his father and followed Christ. He was ordained a priest and spent most of his later life near Toulouse. He wrote the Life of Saint Martin, adding letters and dialogues about the bishop's life and miracles. These became among the most popular books of the Middle Ages and a model for later lives of saints. He also wrote a Chronicle, a summary of sacred history from the creation of the world to his own time. He died about 425.

Sulpicius Severus is also an author in the library: author page and works.

Faith: A Christian writer, friend and disciple of Saint Martin of Tours. Source: Catholic Encyclopedia (1913)

See also: Martin of Tours