Veredemus of Avignon

Holy Hierarch Veredemus of Avignon was a hermit and later bishop of Avignon in Gaul in the 8th century (about 700 to 720). According to tradition he was of Greek origin and was born around 640. He settled in Gaul as a hermit, in the valley of the Durance. A grotto associated with his name is in the Gorges du Gardon.

He was a companion of Saint Giles, and at the death of Saint Agricola of Avignon, around 700, was chosen bishop of Avignon. He served until about 720. His hermitage in the Gorges du Gardon is the oldest Christian structure in lower Languedoc, dating from the 8th century; its apse has paintings also of the 8th century. He is venerated at Cavaillon, Apt and Carpentras, and a feast of Saint-⁠Vérédème is celebrated at Eyguières. Until the 1960s the inhabitants of Sanilhac would make a pilgrimage to his grotto on the Gardon to pray for abundant rain. He is patron of the shepherds of the Crau plain. He is commemorated on 17 June and 20 August, by the Western calendar (new style). He is honored as a saint of the undivided Church.