| Saint Junian | |
|---|---|
| Born | France |
| Died | 587 France |
| Honored in | Roman Catholic Church |
| Feast | August 13 |
Saint Junian (French: Saint Junien) was a 6th century Christian hermit and abbot. He was the founder of Mairé, or Mariacum, Abbey in Poitou, France. He was born at the beginning of the 6th century, at Brioux near Champagné-le-Sec.[1]
He was living a life of austerity as a hermit during the reign of Chlothar I.[1] Junian acquired disciples and founded a religious community at Mairé-l'Evescault, south of Deux-Sèvres.[1]
Junian was a friend of Radegund, the Queen of France who had founded the abbey of Sainte-Croix de Poitiers.[1] Junian and Radegonde died on the same day, on August 13, 587.[1]
Junian's monastery at Mairé was partially destroyed during the wars of Pepin the Short and Charlemagne and was finally demolished during the French Revolution, the stone being re-used for local construction and the lands reverting to their farming origins.