Rare brass oval reliquary containing relic of Saint Deodatus of Nevers ( S. Deodatae )

Rare brass oval reliquary containing relic of Saint Deodatus of Nevers ( S. Deodatae )

Italy early 1900s

Size: 4.5 cm L x 3 cm W

Deodatus of Nevers (d. June 19, ca. 679 AD) was a bishop of Nevers from 655.

Deodatus was born about 590 to an illustrious family of western France. In 655 Deodatus was appointed bishop of Nevers. He attended the Council of Sens in 657.

In 664 he resigned his see, having recommended to his clergy the choice of a successor. He made the acquaintance of Saints Arbogast and Florentius and walked the mountain passes to the Forest of Haguenau where he led an eremitical life. He baptized the son of Saint Hunna (Una), who was also named Deodatus and who is also venerated as a saint. Hunna's son became a monk at Ebersheim.

Later he retired deeper into the Vosges. Hun, lord of the Val de Galilee, bestowed on him some territory, which donation was confirmed by King Childeric II. There he established the monastery Juncturae (Jointures). He placed Jointures under the Rule of Saint Columban, later replaced by the Rule of Saint Benedict