Constantianus of Javron

Constantianus of Javron (Constantien) was born in Auvergne and died in 570 at Javron. He became a monk at the abbey of Saint-⁠Mesmin at Micy near Orléans, where he met a compatriot, the hermit Saint Fraimbault of Lassay. For a more austere life they decided to settle in solitude, around 570, in the forest of Nuz. Bishop Saint Innocent of Le Mans received them and favoured their plan. Constantian was obliged to receive the priesthood, in order to have a missionary role among the local people. Saint Domnolus, the successor of Innocent, assigned him the same duties. The reputation of his holiness reached King Clothar, who visited him in his retreat; the saint predicted for him victory against the Bretons of Armorica.

He was buried at Javron, where a priory dependent on the monastery of Saint-⁠Julien of Tours was established. Part of his relics, moved to Le Mans, was given in the 11th century for the founding of the abbey of Notre-⁠Dame at Breteuil, near Beauvais. He is commemorated locally on 6 February and on 2 December, in the Western calendar (new style). A saint of the undivided Church, venerated locally.