Saint Piatus was a third-century missionary originally from Benevento, Italy. According to religious tradition, he was sent by the pope to spread the Christian faith in the cities of Chartres and Tournai. Some accounts suggest that he received his ordination from Dionysios the Areopagite. He lived during the era of the Roman Empire and eventually met his death in Tournai, which is located in modern-day Belgium.
Life and martyrdom
During the reign of Maximian, Piatus was martyred through a violent execution involving the slicing of his skull. Following his death, his relics were eventually located by Eligius, who created a reliquary to house them. He is often portrayed in religious art holding the severed portion of his own skull as a symbol of his suffering.
Veneration
The saint is commemorated on October 1. His remains are preserved in several locations, with some of his relics being kept at Chartres Cathedral. He is recognized within the Catholic and Orthodox traditions, as well as in pre-schism contexts.