Geroncius of Hagetmau

Geroncius of Hagetmau (in Gascon Gironç, in French Girons or Géronce) is a saint of the 5th century. According to the legend, he was one of the companions of Saint Severus, who came to evangelize Novempopulania, together with Clarus, Justin of Tarbes, Babylas, Polycarp and John. Setting out from Carthage for Jerusalem, he reached Rome, where Pope Liberius found them worthy of the priesthood and sent them to Novempopulania, where the Arian Visigoths were persecuting Christians. Severus was placed at the head of the mission, and Clarus was consecrated bishop.

Landing at Agde, they went to Toulouse, where they parted: Clarus to the north, Severus to the west, Geroncius to the south, where he preached in the region of the river Adour. Hearing of the death of Severus, he took over the leadership of the mission. Some time later he was attacked and wounded and received a martyr's death near Hagetmau, in 365 or 409 according to tradition. His relics are said to have remained at the place of his passion; in 778 Charlemagne is said to have ordered a funerary monument built in the crypt of the abbey church of Hagetmau. Of this sanctuary, an important stop on the road to Santiago, only the crypt remains. Venerated locally, as a saint of the undivided Church.