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Roman Catholic Diocese of Nantes

Coordinates: 47°13′N 1°33′W / 47.22°N 1.55°W / 47.22; -1.55
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Diocese of Nantes

Dioecesis Nannetensis

Diocèse de Nantes
Eskopti Naoned
Nantes Cathedral
Location
CountryFrance
Ecclesiastical provinceRennes
MetropolitanArchdiocese of Rennes, Dol, and Saint-Malo
Statistics
Area6,980 km2 (2,690 sq mi)
Population
- Total
- Catholics		(as of 2021)
1,441,302
1,064,600 (73.9%)
Parishes73 'new parishes'
Information
DenominationRoman Catholic
Sui iuris churchLatin Church
RiteRoman Rite
Established4th Century
CathedralCathedral of St. Peter in Nantes
Patron saintSt. Donatian and St. Rogatian
Secular priests232 (Diocesan)
48 (Religious Orders)
69 Permanent Deacons
Current leadership
PopeFrancis
BishopLaurent Percerou
Metropolitan ArchbishopPierre d'Ornellas
Bishops emeritusGeorges Pierre Soubrier, P.S.S.
Map
Website
Website of the Diocese

The Diocese of Nantes (Latin: Dioecesis Nannetensis; French: Diocèse de Nantes; Breton: Eskopti Naoned) is a Latin Church diocese of the Catholic Church in Nantes, France. The diocese consists of the department of Loire-Atlantique. It has existed since the 4th century. It is now suffragan of the Archdiocese of Rennes, Dol, and Saint-Malo, having previously been suffragan to the Archdiocese of Tours. Its see is Nantes Cathedral in the city of Nantes.

In 2021, in the Diocese of Tulle there was one priest for every 3,802 Catholics.

History

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According to late traditions, Saint Clarus (Saint Clair), first Bishop of Nantes, was a disciple of Saint Peter. De la Borderie, however, has shown that the ritual of the Church of Nantes, drawn up by Helias the precentor in 1263,[1] ignores the apostolic mission of Saint Clarus, and also that Saint Peter's nail in Nantes Cathedral was not brought there by Saint Clarus, but at a time subsequent to the invasions of the Northmen in the 10th century. He showed further that Felix of Nantes, writing with six other bishops in 567 to Saint Radegund, attributed to Martin of Vertou the chief role in the conversion of the Nantais to Christianity, and that the traditions concerning the mission of Saint Clarus are later than 1400.[2]

The earliest list of the bishops of Nantes (made, according to Louis Duchesne, at the beginning of the 11th century[3]) does not favour the thesis of a bishop of Nantes prior to Constantine I. The author of the Passion of Donatian and Rogatian, martyrs of Nantes, places their death in the reign of Constantius Chlorus, and seems to believe that Rogatian could not be baptized, because the bishop was absent. Duchesne believes that the two saints suffered at an earlier date, and disputes the inference of the ancient writer concerning the absence of the bishop.[4] The first bishop of Nantes whose date is certain is Desiderius (453), correspondent of Sulpicius Severus and Paulinus of Nola. The Saint Aemilianus supposed to have been Bishop of Nantes in Charlemagne's reign and to have fought the Saracens in Burgundy is considered legendary.

Among the noteworthy bishops are: Felix (550-83), whose municipal improvements at Nantes were praised in the poems of Venantius Fortunatus, and who often mediated between the people of Brittany and the Frankish kings; Gohardus, killed by the Northmen in 843, with the monks of the monastery of Aindre; Actardus (843–871), during whose time the Breton prince Nominoe, in his conflict with the metropolitan see of Tours, created a see at Guérande, in favour of an ecclesiastic of Vannes, in the heart of the Diocese of Nantes; the preacher Cospeau (1621–36).

Françoise d'Amboise (1427–85), who became Duchess of Brittany in 1450, rebuilt the choir of the collegiate church of Notre-Dame, and founded at Nantes the monastery of the Poor Clares; she had a share in the canonization of Saint Vincent Ferrer. Widowed in 1457, she resisted the intrigues of Louis XI, who urged her to contract a second marriage, and in 1468 became a Carmelite nun at Vannes. In 1477, at the request of Sixtus IV, she restored the Benedictine monastery of Couëts, near Nantes.

The philosopher Abelard was a native of the diocese. The Abbey of La Meilleraye, founded in 1132, was the beginning of an establishment of Trappist Fathers, who played a part in the agricultural development of the country. The crusades were preached at Nantes by Blessed Robert of Arbrissel, founder of Fontevrault. Charles of Blois won Nantes from his rival Jean de Montfort in 1341. On 8 August 1499, Louis XII married Anne of Brittany at Nantes.

Chateaubriant, a town of the diocese, was a Calvinist centre in the 16th century. The Edict of Nantes (1595), which granted Protestants religious freedom and certain political prerogatives.

In 1665, Cardinal de Retz was imprisoned in the castle of Nantes by order of Louis XIV, from which he contrived to escape.

Irish seminary

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A college was created at Nantes c. 1680, with the permission of Bishop Jean-François de Beauvau du Rivau (1677–1717),[5] for the education of Irish ecclesiastics.[6] In 1765, King Louis XV granted the college letters patent officially recognizing the college, which, he notes, took root with a large immigration of Irish clerics in 1685. The college was under the jurisdiction of the University of Nantes.[7]

French Revolution

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During the French Revolution, certain regions of the diocese were the scene of the War of La Vendée, waged in defence of religious freedom and to restore royalty. At Savenay in December, 1793, the remains of the Vendean army succumbed, already defeated in the battle of Cholet. The atrocities committed at Nantes by the Terrorist Carrier are well-known.[citation needed]

Councils were held at Nantes, in 600 and 1127. A provincial council was held at Nantes by Archbishop Vincent de Pirmil of Tours on the Tuesday after the Feast of Ss. Peter and Paul (29 June) in 1264; it issued nine canons.[8] A council was held in Nantes on 23 April 1431.[9]

The mausoleum of Francis II, Duke of Brittany, executed in 1507 by Michel Colomb, is one of the finest monuments of the Renaissance.

The chief places of pilgrimage of the diocese are: Notre-Dame de Bon Garant at Orvault, a very old pilgrimage, repeatedly made by Francis II, Duke of Brittany; Notre-Dame de Bon Secours at Nantes, a pilgrimage centre which dates back to the 14th century; Notre-Dame de Toutes Aides. Notre-Dame de Miséricorde became a place of pilgrimage in 1026 in memory of the miracle by which the country is said to have been freed from a dragon; the present seat of the pilgrimage is the Church of St. Similien at Nantes.

The Ursulines, founded by Saint Angela Merici, were established at Nantes in 1640. Among the congregations for women originating in the diocese are: the Sisters of Christian Instruction, a teaching order founded in 1820 at Beignon (Diocese of Vannes) by Abbé Deshayes, of which the mother-house was transferred to St-Gildas des Bois in 1828; Sisters of the Immaculate Conception, a teaching and nursing order, founded in 1853 (mother-house at La Haye Mahéas); Franciscan Sisters, founded in 1871 (mother-house at St-Philbert de Grandlieu); Oblate Franciscan Sisters of the Heart of Jesus, founded in 1875 by Sophie Victorine de Gazeau (mother-house at Nantes).

Saints in the diocese

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The diocese venerates: the monk Saint Hervé (6th century); the hermits Saint Friard and Saint Secondel of Besné (6th century); Saint Victor, hermit at Cambon (6th or 7th century); the English hermit Saint Viaud (7th or 8th century); the Greek Saint Benoît, Abbot of Masserac in Charlemagne's time; Saint Martin of Vertou (d. 601), apostle of the Herbauges district and founder of the Benedictine Vertou Abbey; Saint Hermeland, sent by Lambert, Abbot of Fontenelle, at the end of the 7th century to found on an island in the Loire the great monastery of Aindre (now Indret); the celebrated missionary Saint Amand, Bishop of Maastricht (7th century), a native of the district of Herbauges.

Bishops

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Before 453, the list of bishops is undocumented.[10]

To 1000

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  • [ Clarus ][11]
  • c. 310–330: Ennius
  • c. 330 : Similien
  • c. 374 : Eumalius or Euhemerus.
  • c. 383: Martius
  • End of 4th century: Arisius
  • 453 : Desiderius[12]
  • Leo[13]
  • attested 461 : Eusebius[14]
  • c. 462 – c. 472: Nonnechius[15]
  • Cariundus, † c. 475
  • Cerunius
  • Clemens, † c. 502
  • 511: Epiphanius[16]
  • c. 515 – 541: Eumerius[17]
  • 549–582: Felix of Nantes.[18]
  • Nonnechius (II.), † 596.[19]
  • 610–614: Eufronius[20]
  • c. 626–627: Leobardus[21]
  • c. 630: Pascharius[22]
  • c. 637: Taurinus
  • c. 640: Haïco
  • c. 650: Sallapius[23]
  • [ c. 703: Agatheus ][24]
  • [ Anito ][25]
  • [ c. 725: Émilien of Nantes ][26]
  • 732: Salvius
  • 756–757: Déomart
  • c. 776 – † c. 800: Odilard
  • c. 800: Alain
  • c. 820 – † 833: Atton
  • 834 – † 835: Drutcaire
  • 835–824. June 843: Gonthard
  • 843–846: Actard[27]
  • 851: Gislard
  • 853–871: Actard (restored)
  • 872–886: Ermengar
  • 886 – † 5. February 896: Landrain
  • 900 – † 906: Foucher
  • c. 906: Isayas
  • 907: Adalard
  • Hoctron
  • 950–958: Herdren
  • c. 960 – † c. 980: Gauthier I.
  • 987: Judicaël
  • 990: Hugo
  • 992 – † 1005: Hervé

1000 to 1300

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1500–1800

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From 1800

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ De la Borderie, Etudes historiques bretonnes p. 3: "La plus ancienne mention de S. Clair, évêque de Nantes, qu'on puisse citer est de l'an 1263. Elle existe dans l'Ordinaire ou rituel de l'église de Nantes, rédigé cette année même par Hélie, chantre de cette église...."
  2. ^ De la Borderie, Etudes historiques bretonnes p. 4: "Le plus ancien document qui rapporte aux temps apostoliques la mission de S. Clair est un bréviaire de Nantes manuscrit, sans date, mais dont l'écriture accuse le commencement du XVe siècle, et qu'on appelle d'ordinaire Bréviaire de 1400."
  3. ^ Duchesne, p. 360.
  4. ^ Duchesne, 364
  5. ^ P. Hurley, "The Irish at Nantes.... Irish Seminary at Nantes," in: The Dublin Review vol. 56 (1892), pp. 44-47.
  6. ^ Patrick Boyle, The Irish College in Paris, from 1578 to 1901 (London: Art and Book Co. 1901, pp. 122-123.
  7. ^ Jules Mathorez, "Notes sur les prêtres irlandais réfugiés à Nantes aux XVIIe et XVIIIe siècles," (in French), in: Revue d'histoire de l'église de France vol 13 (1912), pp. 164-173, at pp. 169-171.
  8. ^ J.-D. Mansi (ed.), Sacrorum Conciliorum nova et amplissima collectio, editio novissima, (in Latin), Vol. 23 (Venice: A. Zatta, pp. 1117-1122.
  9. ^ Hauréau, Gallia christiana vol 14, p. 828.
  10. ^ Tonnerre, in Diocèse de Nantes, p. 9.
  11. ^ The name of Bishop Clarus first appears in an episcopal catalog of the 11th century: Duchesne, pp. 361, 365, no. 1.
  12. ^ Desiderius: Duchesne, pp. 246, 365, no. 7. Charles Munier, Concilia Galliae, A. 314 — A. 506, (in Latin), (Turnholt: Brepols 1963), p. 136.
  13. ^ Leo: Duchesne, pp. 362, 365, no. 8.
  14. ^ Bishop Eusebius took part in the council of Tours on 18 November 461. Munier, p. 148: "Eusebius episcopus Namneticae ciuitatis interfui et subscripsi."
  15. ^ Bishop Nonnechius took part in the council of Vannes, which was held at some point between 461 and 491. Munier, p. 150. Duchesne, 365, no. 10.
  16. ^ Bishop Epiphanius attended the Council of Orléans on 10 July 511. Duchesne, p. 366, no. 14. Charles De Clercq, Concilia Galliae A. 511 — A. 695, (in Latin), (Turnholt: Brepols 1963), p. 13: "Epyfanius episcopus de Namnitis suscripsi".
  17. ^ Bishop Eumerius (or Eumelius) attended the Council of Orléans on 23 June 533. He did not attend the Council of Orléans in 538, but sent a representative (p. 128: "Marcellianus presbyter directus a domno meo Eumerio episcopo subscripsi."). He was present at the Council of Orléans on 14 May 541 ("Eumerius in Christi nomine episcopus Namnetece ciuitatis subscripsi."). He is credited with beginning the reconstruction of the cathedral. Duchesne, p. 366, no. 15. De Clercq, Concilia Galliae A. 511 — A. 695, pp. 102, 128, 144.
  18. ^ It is calculated that Felix became bishop in 549; he died in Year 7 of Childebert II, which was 582, and was in his 33rd year of being bishop. His anniversary was on 8 January. He participated in the council of Tours on 18 November 567, and of Paris in a year between 553 and 567, and of the Council of Paris on 11 September 573 ("Felix acsi peccator in Christi nomine episcopus eclesiae Namneticae constitutionem nostram subscripsi."). He dedicated the new cathedral, begun by Bishop Eumerius, on 30 September. In 580, he gave shelter to Riculfus, who had tried to depose Bishop Gregory of Tours. He attempted to have his nephew Burgundio as his successor, but he was below the minimum age for consecration, and Gregory of Tours refused to consecrate him. Duchesne, p.366-367, no. 16, with special attention to note 5. De Clercq, Concilia Galliae A. 511 — A. 695, pp. 194, 200, 214.
  19. ^ Nonnechius was a cousin of Bishop Felix, and was nominated by King Chilperic. He is mentioned in 587 and 591. Duchesne, p. 367, no. 17.
  20. ^ Bishop Eufronius attended the Council of Paris on 10 October 614. Duchesne, 367, no. 18. De Clercq, Concilia Galliae A. 511 — A. 695, p. 281: "Ex ciuitate Namnatis Eufronius episcopus."
  21. ^ Bishop Leobardus attended the Council of Clichy on 27 September 626 or 627. Duchesne, 367, no. 19. De Clercq, Concilia Galliae A. 511 — A. 695, p. 297: "Ex ciuitate Namnetis Leobardus episcopus."
  22. ^ Pascharius is mentioned in the "Life of Saint Hermeland". He was a contemporary of Abbot Lambert of Fontanelle, who became bishop of Lyon by 678. Pascharius assisted in the foundation of the monastery of Indre. Duchesne, p. 368, no. 21, notes the chronological inconsistencies.
  23. ^ Bishop Sallapius did not attend the council of Chalon-sur-Saône, on 24 August of a year between 647 and 653, but sent his archdeacon in his place. Duchesne, p. 367, no. 20. De Clercq, Concilia Galliae A. 511 — A. 695, p. 309: "Chaddo archidiaconus in uicem Sallappio episcopo ecclesiae Namnatice subscripsi."
  24. ^ "Episcopal catalogue": vocatus sed non episcopus. Duchesne, pp. 362, 368. A. de la Borderie, Histoire de Bretagne vol. 1 (Rennes: Plihon & Hommay 1905), pp. 544-545. Duchesne, p. 368.
  25. ^ Anito: vocatus sed non episcopus. Duchesne, pp. 362, 368.
  26. ^ Duchesne, p. 368, note 3.
  27. ^ Actard: Arthur Le Moyne de La Borderie, Histoire de Bretagne, (in French), Volume 2 (Rennes: Pithon et Hommay, 1906), p. 102.
  28. ^ Jean Dunbabin, France in the Making, 843-1180, 2nd edition (Oxford: OUP 2000), p. 198.
  29. ^ William Ziezulewicz, "Sources of reform in the episcopate of Airard of Nantes, 1050-1054," Journal of Ecclesiastical History, July 1996. [volume & issue needed] [page needed]
  30. ^ Geoffroi died in 1212: Eubel, Hierarchia catholica I, p. 355.
  31. ^ Jean, also known as Jean de Châteaugiron had been Bishop of Saint-Brieuc since 1404, on appointment of Pope Benedict XIII (Avignon Obedience). He was transferred to Nantes by Pope Martin V on 17 July 1419. Pope Felix V named him a cardinal on 12 November 1440. He was chancellor of Jean V, Duc de Bretagne. He died on 14 September 1443. Eubel I, pp. 146; 356; II, p. 10, no. 19.
  32. ^ Guégen died on 2 November 1506. Eubel, Hierarchia catholica III, p. 252, note 2.
  33. ^ Guibé had been Bishop of Tréguier from 1483 to 1502, and then Bishop of Rennes from 1502 to 1507. He was named a cardinal on 1 December 1505, and transferred to Nantes by Pope Julius II on 24 January 1507. He resigned in August 1511. He died in Rome on 9 November 1513, at the age of 54. Eubel II, p. 254; III, pp. 10, no. 6; 252 with notes 3 and 4; 283, note 2.
  34. ^ Acigné had been a canon of Tréguier. He was appointed bishop at the age of 28, by King Francis I of France, and confirmed as bishop of Nantes by Pope Clement VII on 8 February 1532. He took possession of the diocese by proxy on 31 May. He died on 2 February 1542. Hauréau, Gallia Christiana XIV, p. 833. Eubel III, p. 253 with note 6.
  35. ^ (also Bishop of Amiens)
  36. ^ (also Archbishop of Reims)
  37. ^ (also Bishop of Saint-Malo)
  38. ^ (also Bishop of Lisieux)
  39. ^ Duvoisin was nominated by First Consul Napoleon Bonaparte on 13 July 1802, and confirmed by the papal Legate, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Caprara, on 25 July 1802. He died on 9 July 1813. Kerviler, "Nantes", pp. 396=397. Ritzler & Sefrin, Hierarchia catholica VII, p. 276.
  40. ^ Andigné de Mayneuf had been Vicar-General of the diocese of Chalons-sur-Marne. He refused the oaths in 1792 and went into exile. After his return in 1801, he became Vicar-General of Bishop Boulogne of Troyes. He was nominated bishop of Nantes by Louis XVIII on 9 September 1817, and confirmed on 1 October, but was not consecrated until 17 October 1819. In ill health, he died in Nantes on 2 February 1822. Kerviler, "Nantes", pp. 397-398. Ritzler & Sefrin, Hierarchia catholica VII, p. 276.
  41. ^ Amand René Maupoint, Vie de Mgr Jean-François de Hercé, évêque de Nantes (in French), (Rennes-Paris: Hauvespre, 1856), pp. 197-476.
  42. ^ A. Pothier, Monseigneur Fournier, évêque de Nantes: sa vie ses oeuvres, (in French), Volume 2 (Nantes: Libaros, 1900).
  43. ^ "Resignations and Appointments, 14.11.2019" (Press release). Holy See Press Office. 14 November 2019. Retrieved 14 November 2019.

Bibliography

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Reference works

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Studies

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47°13′N 1°33′W / 47.22°N 1.55°W / 47.22; -1.55

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