Saint Ildephonsus of Toledo
Seventh-century archbishop of Toledo and author of a defence of Mary's perpetual virginity
- Rank
- Saint
- Kind
- Bishop
- Life
- d. 667
- Era
- 7th century
- Feast
- 23 January
- Countries
- Spain
Life story
Ildephonsus was born into a distinguished family in the early seventh century and was a nephew of Eugenius, bishop of Toledo. He was ordained deacon around 630 and became abbot of the monastery of Agali near Toledo; in that role he signed the acts of the Councils of Toledo of 653 and 655. Around the end of 657 King Recceswinth compelled him to take the see of Toledo, succeeding his uncle; he governed it for a little over nine years until his death on 23 January 667.
Ildephonsus continued Isidore of Seville's De viris illustribus, prepared an anthology of Isidore's works and wrote De cognitione baptismi on baptism. His best-known work is De virginitate perpetua sanctae Mariae, which argues against three opponents for the perpetual virginity of Mary. Later church documents quote it, including an encyclical of Pius XII in 1954.
Most of the marvels attached to him are legend, found in a biography by Cixila written in the late eighth century, more than a century after his death. According to the legend, when he prayed before the relics of the martyr Leocadia she rose from her tomb to thank him. Tradition also says that Mary appeared, sat on the bishop's throne and gave him a chasuble to be worn only at her feasts.
His feast is kept on 23 January, the day of his death. Because these accounts are late and legendary, they cannot be treated as established history.
Works and witness
- Abbot of the monastery of Agali by 653
- Bishop of Toledo from about the end of 657 until 667
- Wrote De virginitate perpetua sanctae Mariae
- Continued Isidore's De viris illustribus
Saints from the same country
References
- Catholic Encyclopedia (New Advent), St. Ildephonsus (newadvent.org/cathen/07649b.htm)
- Pius XII, Ad Caeli Reginam (1954), New Advent library
- Paul VI, Marialis Cultus (1974), citation of Ildephonsus
Written by Anawim from documented history. Some details about ancient saints rest on tradition and are marked as such.