Justus of Beauvais was a Gallo-Roman saint who lived during the late third century. Born in Auxerre, he is traditionally identified as a martyr who died in Amiens. According to legend, he was executed during the persecutions under Diocletian, where he was beheaded for his Christian faith. Some traditions suggest he was a cephalophore, a type of martyr who miraculously spoke after losing his head. His historical identity is sometimes difficult to distinguish from other saints due to the overlapping nature of his legends.
Life and death
Living in the late third century, Justus was martyred near the regions of Senlis and Beauvais. He faced execution during the era of Diocletian's persecutions. Tradition claims that after being beheaded, he continued to speak, a characteristic often attributed to cephalophore martyrs. This legendary aspect has contributed to the complex historical accounts surrounding his life and death.
Veneration and relics
He is venerated in both France and Belgium, with his feast day observed on October 18. His relics have been distributed across Europe, including a skull kept in an Antwerp church and another held in Zutphen. In 924, King Athelstan donated his head to Winchester, while other remains were acquired by monks in Malmedy and the diocese of Chur.