Didier
Didier [1]
ST., archbishop of Vienne, was born at Autun, and became bishop of Vienne in 596. As he gave instruction in belles-lettres and ancient literature, he was denounced to Gregory the Great as teaching his pupils pagan literature. Didier found it easy to justify himself; but, having reproved queen Brunehild for her conduct, this princess convoked a synod at Chalons sur Saone and in 603 Didier was deposed and exiled to an island in the river Rhone. Four years after he was restored to his see, but as he did not cease to censure the queen, and as he endeavored to withdraw the young king Thierry from the influence of his grandmother, Brunehild had him waylaid and assassinated in a village called Prisciniacum, on the bank of the Chalarone (subsequently called St. Didier de Chalarone), on May 23, 608. On Feb. 11, 1620, the body of Didier was transferred to St. Peter and Paul's church at Vienne. Several other churches claim to possess some relics of Didier, who is commemorated by the Church of Rome as a saint on Feb. 11 and May 23. Lives of Didier have been published by Mombrice and Chifflet. — Hoefer, Biog. Generale, 14:101.
