Veredemus

Saint Veredemus (also Veredemius; French: Saint Vérédème, Vrème, Vrime)^[3] was an 8th-century hermit who become bishop of Avignon around 700 AD. According to tradition, he was of Greek origin and was born around 640 AD.^[4]

Saint Veredemus
Bishop
Born	640 prob. Greece
Died	720 AD Gaul
Venerated in	Roman Catholic Church Eastern Orthodox Church
Feast	June 17;[1] August 20[2]
Patronage	invoked for rain; patron of shepherds at Crau, France

Veredemus settled at Gaul as a hermit, in the valley of the Durance.^[4] A grotto associated with Veredemus is located at the Gorge du Gardon.^[4] He was a companion of Saint Giles and at the death of Saint Agricola of Avignon was chosen as bishop of Avignon.^[4] He served as bishop until around 720 AD.^[4]

Veneration

Veredemus' hermitage at the gorges of Gardon is the oldest Christian structure in lower Languedoc, dating from 8th century AD.^[4] Its apse is decorated with 8th-century paintings.^[4]

Veredemus is venerated at Cavaillon, Apt, and Carpentras, and a fête Saint-Vérédème is celebrated at Eyguières.^[5] Until the 1960s, the inhabitants of Sanilhac would make the pilgrimage to Veredemus’ grotto on the Gardon to pray for abundant rain.^[4] He was the patron saint of the shepherds of the plains of Crau.^[4]