Fermin
Fermin was a holy man and martyr, traditionally venerated as the co-patron saint of Navarre, Spain. He was born in the mid 3rd century, so his death may be associated with the Diocletianic Persecution (303).
Although he is said to have lived in the third century, the first texts we have about saint Fermin date back to the ninth century. It may originate in the diocese of Toulouse, which endeavoured to spread the devotion to Saint Fermin. His tombstone is one of the elements that helped to convey his memory.
According to the legend, a senator from Pamplona named Firmus was converted to Christianity by Honestus and persuaded Saturnin of Toulouse to come to Pamplona to baptise him. There the bishop preached to large crowds and baptised some 40,000 people over three days. Firmus's son, Firminus (Fermin), was entrusted to Honestus for his Christian education and at age 31 went to Toulouse to be consecrated by Saturninus's successor, Honoratus. Fermin then went to preach in northern Gaul, where he became associated with the city of Amiens. He was persecuted and ultimately martyred.
Patron saint of Amiens; France; Lesaka; Spain; Navarre
In the Martyrology
- September 25 Saint Firmin, bishop of Amiens, martyr