Prudentius of Troyes

Saint Prudentius of Troyes, originally named Galindo, was born in the County of Aragon and died on April 6, 861, in Troyes, West Francia. He left Aragon in his youth, changed his name to Prudentius, and was educated at the Palatine School. He became the Bishop of Troyes in 843. As a chronicler, he took over writing the Annals of St Bertin from around 835 until his death. In theological matters, Prudentius was a significant figure in the controversy on predestination. He opposed Archbishop Hincmar of Reims, advocating for a doctrine of double predestination, which included one for reward and another for punishment, but not for sin. He also argued that Christ died only for those who are saved. His writings on this topic include an epistle to Hincmar (c. 849) and 'De prædestinatione contra Johannem Scotum' (851). Despite his theological stance, he may have subscribed to articles by Hincmar at the synod of Quierzy, possibly due to deference or fear. In 'Epistola tractoria ad Wenilonem' (c. 856), he reaffirmed his views, making the ordination of Æneas of Paris conditional on the latter's agreement with his articles on double predestination. His continuation of the Annals of St Bertin from 835 to 861 is considered a reliable historical source for the period. Prudentius also authored 'Vita Sanctæ Mauræ Virginis' and several poems. He is honored as a saint in the Anglican, Catholic, and Eastern Orthodox Churches, with his feast day on April 6. However, the Bollandists do not recognize his cult.