Gratus of Aosta was a fifth-century bishop who served the diocese of Aosta. Originally a priest, he participated in the Council of Milan in 451, where he acted on behalf of Bishop Eustasius to support the condemnation of the Eutyches heresy. His religious formation likely followed the monastic traditions established by Eusebius of Vercelli. He later presided over the movement of several holy relics within his city around the year 470. He is remembered as the patron saint of Aosta and is honored in the Catholic tradition.
Life and legacy
After his service at the Milan synod, Gratus ascended to the position of bishop. Much of the biographical detail regarding his early life, including claims of Spartan nobility or missions to the court of Charlemagne, originated from a thirteenth-century text called the Magna Legenda Sancti Grati. Although modern historians have identified this account as fictional, these stories helped spread his reputation throughout regions like Savoy and Lombardy.
Veneration
The saint is commemorated on September 7. Historically, he was called upon to protect agricultural lands from various natural threats, including droughts, floods, and insect plagues. Because he was viewed as a thaumaturgus, people also invoked his name against devils and witches. His relics are kept in the Collegiate church of Saint Ursus, where they were moved during the Middle Ages.