What are the alternative names for Saint Caraunus of Chartres?

Saint Caraunus of Chartres is also known by the names Caranus, Caro, and Chéron.

What is the primary role or description of Caraunus according to the short description?

The short description identifies Caraunus as a Christian missionary and a saint.

When was Saint Caraunus of Chartres born?

Saint Caraunus of Chartres was born in the 5th century in Gaul, a historical region of Western Europe.

Where did Saint Caraunus of Chartres die?

Saint Caraunus of Chartres died near Chartres, a city in north-central France.

In which location is Saint Caraunus of Chartres primarily venerated?

Saint Caraunus of Chartres is primarily venerated in Chartres, indicating a significant local cult or devotion.

What is the feast day associated with Saint Caraunus?

The feast day for Saint Caraunus is observed on May 28, a date set aside in the liturgical calendar to commemorate him.

What is a notable attribute or symbol associated with Saint Caraunus in iconography?

A notable attribute associated with Saint Caraunus is a priest carrying his head, which is a common symbol in Christian iconography for martyrs who were beheaded.

What does the image in the infobox depict?

The image in the infobox shows a statue located in the Église Saint-Chéron de Cavan, a church dedicated to the saint.

What is the general historical period attributed to Saint Caraunus of Chartres?

Saint Caraunus of Chartres is generally attributed to either the 1st or 5th century A.D., reflecting different historical accounts of his life.

What was Saint Caraunus's primary activity in Gaul?

Saint Caraunus was a Christian missionary in Gaul, dedicated to spreading the Christian faith.

How did Saint Caraunus meet his end?

Saint Caraunus was murdered by robbers, a tragic end that led to his veneration as a martyr.

According to one legend, what was Caraunus's background before becoming a missionary?

According to one legend, Caraunus was a Roman of the 1st century A.D. and was known as a brilliant student in Rome.

How did Caraunus arrive in Gaul to preach Christianity in the 1st-century account?

He converted to Christianity and traveled via Marseille to Gaul to preach the Christian faith, following a common route for early missionaries.

Who assigned Caraunus to a missionary group in the 1st-century legend?

King Brenn of the Carnutes assigned Caraunus to a group of three priests who were sent by Saint Denis, a prominent early Christian figure in France.

Which region was Caraunus tasked with evangelizing in the 1st-century legend?

Caraunus was tasked with evangelizing the south of the Île-de-France region, which today encompasses Paris and its surrounding areas.

When and where was Caraunus assassinated according to the 1st-century legend?

He was assassinated by brigands on the road from Ablis to Chartres on May 28 (the 5th day before the calends of June) in the year 98 A.D.

When was Caraunus canonized in Chartres according to the 1st-century legend?

He was canonized in Chartres around 800 A.D., formally recognizing him as a saint within the Catholic Church.

What historical doubt exists regarding the 1st-century legend of Caraunus?

There are doubts about the veracity of this story, suggesting it may have been a 9th-century essay written by a school pupil, rather than a factual historical account.

What is an alternative historical account regarding Caraunus's period of activity?

Another version states that Caraunus flourished in the 5th century A.D., placing him several centuries later than the first legend.

Describe Caraunus's family background and initial actions in the 5th-century account.

He was born in Gaul to a Christian family of Roman origin, and after his parents died, he gave away all his possessions and became a hermit, dedicating himself to a solitary religious life.

What ecclesiastical role did Caraunus assume after becoming a hermit in the 5th-century account?

A bishop ordained him as a deacon, a clerical office in the Christian church, and he subsequently became an itinerant preacher, traveling to spread the faith.

Whom did Caraunus encounter near Chartres, and what was their significance?

Near Chartres, he found a small group of Christians who were descendants of converts made by Saints Potentianus and Altinus, indicating an existing Christian community in the area.

What was Caraunus's plan after gathering disciples near Chartres in the 5th-century account?

From this group, he selected disciples to assist him in his preaching, and then they left for Paris, intending to continue their missionary work.

How far from Chartres did Caraunus and his disciples encounter robbers in the 5th-century account?

They encountered a band of robbers at a distance of 3 leagues, which is equivalent to 9 miles or 14 kilometers, from Chartres.

What happened to Caraunus's disciples when they encountered the robbers in the 5th-century account?

His disciples hid when they saw the robbers approaching, seeking safety from the danger.

Why did the robbers kill Caraunus in the 5th-century account?

The robbers killed him when they discovered he had nothing of value on him, indicating their motive was robbery.

What happened to Caraunus's burial site according to the 5th-century account?

He was buried near Chartres, and later, an abbey and a church were constructed over his grave, transforming it into a place of worship and pilgrimage.

Which town is named after Saint Caraunus?

The town of Saint-Chéron, Essonne, located between Chartres and Paris, is named after him, preserving his legacy in its place name.

Where can the history of Saint Chéron be seen depicted in stained glass?

The history of Saint Chéron is depicted in a stained glass window in Bay 15 of the Chartres Cathedral, a renowned example of Gothic architecture and art.

Describe the structure and content of the stained glass window depicting Saint Chéron's history.

The stained glass window consists of eleven rows, each containing two panels, along with border panels adorned with rosettes, florets, and interlacing patterns. The lowest row portrays stonemasons, sculptors, and donors, while the other rows illustrate scenes from the saint's life.

What does the image titled 'Église Saint-Chéron in Saint-Chéron, Essonne' show?

The image shows the Église Saint-Chéron, a church located in the town of Saint-Chéron, Essonne, which is dedicated to the saint.

What does the image titled 'Histoire de saint Chéron in Chartes Cathedral' depict?

The image depicts the stained glass window illustrating the history of Saint Chéron within Chartres Cathedral, showcasing its artistic and historical significance.

What source provides an account of Caraunus by the Monks of Ramsgate?

The Monks of Ramsgate wrote about Caraunus in their 1921 publication, 'Book of Saints,' a dictionary of canonized individuals.

According to the Monks of Ramsgate, what was Caraunus's origin and early religious life?

They state that Caraunus, also known as Cheron, was a Roman by birth who embraced the Christian Faith during the Apostolic Age, the period immediately following the life of Jesus and his apostles.

What role did Caraunus hold and where did he serve as a missionary according to the Monks of Ramsgate?

He was ordained a deacon, a minister in the Christian church, and served as a missionary in Gaul.

Under which Roman Emperor did Caraunus suffer martyrdom according to the Monks of Ramsgate?

He suffered martyrdom near Chartres under the Roman Emperor Domitian in A.D. 98, during a period of persecution against Christians.

Who was Alban Butler, and what significant work did he author that mentions Caraunus?

Alban Butler (1710–1773) was a hagiographer, a writer of saints' lives, who authored 'Lives of the Fathers, Martyrs, and Other Principal Saints,' which includes an entry for Caraunus under May 28.

What is Caraunus's nationality and period of activity according to Alban Butler?

Butler states that Caraunus was a native of Gaul and flourished towards the end of the fifth age (5th century), aligning with one of the historical accounts.

How did Caraunus live after his parents' death, according to Butler's account?

After the death of his Christian parents, he distributed all his possessions to the poor and retired into a desert to serve God more easily, embracing an ascetic lifestyle.

What ecclesiastical position did Caraunus receive in Butler's narrative?

The bishop of the place, recognizing his merit, ordained him a deacon, empowering him for ministry within the church.

What was the state of Christianity in Gaul when Caraunus preached, according to Butler's notes?

Gaul was divided among the Franks, Burgundians, and Visigoths, with the Franks being mostly idolaters and the others professing Arianism, which Butler describes as scarcely better than infidel, indicating a challenging environment for Christian evangelism.

Who were Saints Potentianus and Altinus, and what was their connection to the Christians Caraunus found near Chartres?

Saints Potentianus and Altinus were two saints sent into the country by St. Savinianus, bishop of Sens, during the reign of Emperor Dioclesian, and the Christians Caraunus found near Chartres were their descendants, representing an earlier wave of evangelization.

What was Caraunus's strategy when he saw robbers approaching, according to Butler?

He advised his disciples to hide themselves among the thickets while he would attempt to distract the robbers by conversing with them, demonstrating a selfless act to protect his companions.

Why was Caraunus considered a 'martyr of charity' in Butler's account?

He was considered a martyr of charity because he was inhumanly murdered by the robbers, who were provoked by not finding any money in his possession, after he had selflessly given away his wealth to the poor.

Where was Caraunus buried, and what structures were later built there, according to Butler?

His disciples buried his body near Chartres on an eminence later called the 'holy mount,' where a church was subsequently erected under his invocation, signifying his growing veneration.

How did the administration of the church built over Caraunus's grave change over time?

The care of the church was initially entrusted to a community of ecclesiastics, but canon regulars were substituted in their place in 1137, indicating a shift in its monastic or clerical governance.

Where are the relics of Saint Caraunus kept?

The relics of Saint Caraunus are kept in the abbey named after him near Chartres, serving as sacred objects for veneration.

Who obtained a relic of Saint Caraunus in 1681, and for what purpose?

The president of Lamoignon obtained one bone of his relics in 1681 for the church dedicated to the saint at Mont-couronne, which is one of the parishes of Baville, demonstrating the continued importance of his relics.

When is the feast of Saint Caraunus's translation observed at Chartres?

The feast of his translation, commemorating the movement of his relics, is kept at Chartres on October 18.

Caraunus Wiki: Saint Caraunus: Unveiling the Missionary of Gaul

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Introducing Saint Caraunus

A Gallic Missionary and Martyr

Saint Caraunus, also known by variations such as Caranus, Caro, or Chéron, is venerated as a Christian missionary and martyr in Gaul. His life is primarily associated with the region around Chartres, where he is believed to have preached the Christian faith. His feast day is observed on May 28.^[2]

The Enigma of Chronology

Historical accounts present a notable ambiguity regarding the precise period of Saint Caraunus's activity. While some traditions place him in the 1st century A.D., others suggest his flourishing in the 5th century A.D. This chronological divergence underscores the challenges in reconstructing the lives of early Christian saints, often relying on hagiographical narratives compiled centuries after their purported existence.^[1]^[2]

Attributes and Veneration

In traditional iconography, Saint Caraunus is sometimes depicted as a priest carrying his head, a symbolic attribute shared by several cephalophore saints, signifying martyrdom. He is particularly venerated in Chartres, where his canonization is believed to have occurred around 800 A.D. The enduring devotion to Saint Caraunus is reflected in the geographical and architectural landmarks bearing his name.^[1]

Contrasting Narratives

The First-Century Account

One tradition posits Caraunus as a Roman of the 1st century A.D., a brilliant student who converted to Christianity. He journeyed to Gaul via Marseille to propagate the Christian faith. According to this narrative, he was among three priests dispatched by Saint Denis to evangelize the southern Île-de-France region, under the assignment of King Brenn of the Carnutes. He met his demise at the hands of brigands on the road from Ablis to Chartres in 98 A.D.^[1]

The veracity of this 1st-century account has been questioned by some scholars, who suggest it may have originated as a 9th-century scholastic exercise, perhaps an essay by a pupil tasked with composing a saint's story.^[1] This highlights the fluid nature of hagiographical traditions and the challenges in distinguishing historical fact from pious legend.

The Fifth-Century Tradition

A more detailed and widely cited version, notably recounted by hagiographers like Alban Butler, places Caraunus in the 5th century A.D. Born in Gaul to a Christian family of Roman descent, he renounced his worldly possessions after his parents' passing to embrace a life of hermitage. Recognizing his spiritual merit, a local bishop ordained him as a deacon, after which he became an itinerant preacher across various provinces of Gaul.^[2]^[5]

During his ministry, Caraunus arrived in the territory of Chartrain, where he discovered a small community of Christians, descendants of converts from the earlier missions of Saints Potentianus and Altinus. With their numbers growing through his fervent zeal, he selected several disciples to aid him in spreading the Gospel further. As they embarked on a journey towards Paris, approximately three leagues (about 14 km) from Chartres, they encountered a band of robbers.^[2]^[5]^[7]

At this time, Gaul was a complex religious landscape, with the Franks largely adhering to idolatry and the Burgundians and Visigoths professing Arianism, often considered scarcely better than infidels by orthodox Christians.^[6] This context underscores the perilous nature of Caraunus's missionary work.

The Martyr's End

Assassination by Brigands

In both primary narratives, Saint Caraunus's life culminates in a violent death at the hands of robbers. In the 5th-century account, upon encountering the brigands, Caraunus, demonstrating a profound act of charity and self-sacrifice, advised his disciples to conceal themselves among the thickets. He then engaged the robbers, attempting to distract them. Enraged by his lack of material possessions, the "savages" brutally murdered him, thus marking him as a martyr of charity.^[2]^[8]^[9]

Burial and Sacred Site

Following his martyrdom, Caraunus's disciples interred his body near Chartres, on an elevated site that subsequently became known as the "holy mount." Over time, a church was erected over his grave, dedicated to his invocation. The care of this sacred site was initially entrusted to a community of ecclesiastics, later succeeded by canon regulars in 1137. The relics of Saint Caraunus are reportedly preserved in the abbey bearing his name near Chartres, with a bone also obtained for a church in Mont-couronne in 1681.^[9]

Enduring Legacy

Eponymous Locations

The memory of Saint Caraunus is preserved in the toponymy of the French landscape. The town of Saint-Chéron, located in Essonne, between Chartres and Paris, is named in his honor, serving as a tangible link to his historical and spiritual presence in the region.^[1]

Artistic Depictions in Chartres Cathedral

The profound impact of Saint Caraunus is also immortalized in the renowned Chartres Cathedral. Specifically, Bay 15 of the cathedral's stained glass windows features a detailed depiction of the history of Saint Chéron. This intricate artwork comprises eleven rows, each adorned with two panels and border panels embellished with rosettes, florets, and interlacing designs.^[3]

The lowest row of the stained glass window pays homage to the stonemasons, sculptors, and donors who contributed to the cathedral's construction and artistic embellishment. The subsequent rows vividly illustrate various scenes from the life of Saint Caraunus, offering a visual narrative of his missionary endeavors and martyrdom to generations of worshippers and visitors.^[3]

Veneration and Hagiography

Feast Days and Canonization

Saint Caraunus's primary feast day is celebrated on May 28. Additionally, the feast of his translation, commemorating the movement of his relics, is observed in Chartres on October 18. His canonization, a formal recognition of his sanctity, is believed to have taken place in Chartres around 800 A.D., solidifying his place within the Christian liturgical calendar.^[1]^[9]

Accounts from Hagiographers

The life of Saint Caraunus has been documented by various hagiographers, contributing to the rich tapestry of his veneration:

Monks of Ramsgate (1921): In their Book of Saints, they describe Caraunus as a Roman of the 1st century, ordained deacon, who undertook missionary work in Gaul and suffered martyrdom near Chartres under Emperor Domitian in 98 A.D.^[4]
Alban Butler (1710–1773): In his Lives of the Fathers, Martyrs, and Other Principal Saints, Butler presents the 5th-century account, detailing Caraunus's Gaulish birth, his life as a hermit and itinerant deacon, and his martyrdom by robbers near Chartres, emphasizing his "martyr of charity" status.^[5]^[9]

These accounts, while differing in chronological details, consistently portray Caraunus as a dedicated missionary who ultimately sacrificed his life for his faith.

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References

St. Augustine's Abbey, Ramsgate 1921, p. 58.

A full list of references for this article are available at the Caraunus Wikipedia page

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Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not religious or historical definitive advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for scholarly theological research, rigorous historical analysis, or spiritual guidance. Always refer to primary historical sources, authoritative theological texts, and consult with qualified historians or religious scholars for a definitive understanding of hagiographical accounts and historical events. Never disregard established academic or spiritual counsel because of something you have read on this website.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Saint Caraunus: Unveiling the Missionary of Gaul

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Introducing Saint Caraunus ℹ️

🕊️ A Gallic Missionary and Martyr

🗓️ The Enigma of Chronology

👑 Attributes and Veneration

Contrasting Narratives 📜

⏳ The First-Century Account

📖 The Fifth-Century Tradition

The Martyr's End 🩸

🗡️ Assassination by Brigands

⛪ Burial and Sacred Site

Enduring Legacy 🏛️

📍 Eponymous Locations

🖼️ Artistic Depictions in Chartres Cathedral

Veneration and Hagiography 🙏

📅 Feast Days and Canonization

📚 Accounts from Hagiographers

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

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❓ Test Your Knowledge! ❓

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References

📜 References

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Introducing Saint Caraunus

A Gallic Missionary and Martyr

The Enigma of Chronology

Attributes and Veneration

Contrasting Narratives

The First-Century Account

The Fifth-Century Tradition

The Martyr's End

Assassination by Brigands

Burial and Sacred Site

Enduring Legacy

Eponymous Locations

Artistic Depictions in Chartres Cathedral

Veneration and Hagiography

Feast Days and Canonization

Accounts from Hagiographers

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice