ST. NICETUS, ARCHBISHOP OF LYONS, CONFESSOR,
CALLED BY THE FRENCH NIZIER
HE was descended from an ancient noble Gaulish
family in Burgundy, and, by the care of virtuous parents, received a
learned and pious education. Humility and assiduous prayer were his
favorite virtues from the cradle. In his father’s house he
always chose to appear the lowest in the family, though by birth he
had a right to claim the highest place next his parents. He readily
gave a preference in all things to his brethren, and took a singular
delight, during his hours of recreation, in performing the most
servile offices. He instructed, with the utmost diligence, the
servants and children in all Christian duties, and taught them the
psalter and church office. He succeeded his uncle, St. Serdot, in the
see of Lyons, in 551, which he governed with indefatigable zeal
during twenty-two years, till his happy death on the 2d day of April,
in 577. Great miracles confirmed the opinion of his sanctity: his
relics are preserved in the parish church of his name, in Lyons: his
memory is famous in France, and recorded in the Roman Martyrology.
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