Moderanus of Rennes was an 8th-century bishop and abbot who served the Catholic Church in France. Born around 650, he likely belonged to a distinguished family, possibly the son of a count from Tournay. He rose to the position of Bishop of Rennes during the reign of King Chilpéric II. Following a pilgrimage to Rome, he eventually resigned his episcopal seat in 720 to return to Italy, where he lived until his death in 730.
Life and career
After ascending to the bishopric of Rennes, Moderanus traveled to Rome to visit the tombs of the Apostles. During a stop in Reims, he obtained holy relics from Remi of Reims, which he later brought to the abbey of Berceto near Parma. In 720, he stepped down from his leadership in Rennes, choosing Auriscandus as his successor, before moving back to Italy.
Veneration and legacy
Moderanus died in Berceto on October 22, 730, and was buried in an abbey church. Although the church was originally dedicated to Saint Abundius, it eventually became known as Saint Moderanus. His feast day is observed on October 22, and some of his relics were returned to Rennes in 1815.