A portrait of St. Optatus of Milevis
St. Optatus of Milevis
c. 320 – c. 385
Feast
June 4 · IV c.
Patron of
Bishops · Apologists · Unity of the Church
Order
Bishop / Theologian
North African bishop (c. 320-c. 385), Bishop of Milevis in Numidia; principal anti-Donatist writer before St. Augustine. His treatise "Against the Donatists" is the foundational orthodox response to that controversy and was praised by Augustine. Pre-Congregation.
Life & Times
Born: c. 320 · Died: c. 385 · From: Numidia / North Africa.
Patronage
St. Optatus of Milevis is invoked as the patron of bishops, apologists, unity of the church. Those in these callings or circumstances often turn to this saint in prayer.
“Where there is one Church, there is one chair of unity.”— St. Optatus of Milevis (traditionally attributed)
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About Catholic Saints
Catholic saints, including St. Optatus of Milevis, are Christians whom the Catholic Church has formally recognized as having lived lifes of heroic holiness and who now dwell with God in heaven, offering an example of faith for those still on their earthly journey. Catholics don't worship saints, but ask them to pray to God with us and for us — much as one might ask a trusted friend to pray for them — trusting that those closest to God can join their voices to ours before Him. Discover more saints in the Catholic Shop Saints section.