Fortunatus

Fortunatus

an Italian hagiographer, was born at Vercellae in the beginning of the 6th century. He has been confounded sometimes with Fortunatus Venantitus. He merited by his knowledge the surname of the Philosopher of the Lombards, and was elevated to the episcopate; it is not known, however, in what diocese. He was obliged to leave his church, but for what reason is unknown; retired to France, where he bound himself in friendship with St. Germanus, bishop of Paris; and died at Chelles, near Paris, about 569. He wrote the Life of St. Marcellus. The Life of St. Hilary has also been attributed to him. See Hoefer, Nouv. Biog. Generale, s.v.; Smith, Dict. of Christ. Antiq. s.v.