Justinianus, St.

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JUSTINIANUS, ST.

Hermit and martyr; probably of noble Breton origin; d. Isle of Ramsey (off Pembrokeshire, now Dyfed) or Isle of Man, c. 530540. Having come to Wales early in the sixth century, Justinianus (Stinan or Jestin) lived in a hermitage on either the Isle of Ramsey or the Isle of Man. Accounts of his martyrdom differ; he is variously reported to have been murdered by three companions, slaves or pirates. John capgrave, author of Nova legenda Angliae, is the first to produce a vita of Justinian; but his editor (Acta Sanctorum, Aug., 4:636) complained that Justinianus was too little known; no compiler of Breton saints, not even Albert le Grand, included his name. Nevertheless, his name was included in several Welsh calendars and a church at Llanstinan (near Fishguard) is dedicated to him.

Feast: Aug. 23 or Dec. 5.

Bibliography: Acta Sanctorum, Aug., 4:633636. Bibliotheca hagiographica latina antiquae et mediae aetatis, 2 v. (Brussels 18981904; suppl. 1911) 1:4576. j. l. baudot and l. chaussin, Vies des saints et des bienheureux selon l'ordre du calendrier avec l'historique des fêtes (Paris 193556) 8:431432.

[m. c. hilferty]