Maximian of Bagai was a 5th century bishop of Bagai in Roman North Africa. His life shows the extent that the religious schism in Roman North Africa could become violent.
Maximian of Bagai | |
|---|---|
| Born | 4th Century |
| Died | 5th Century |
| Venerated in | |
| Feast | October 3 |
| Controversy | Donatist controversy |
About 401AD Maximian converted from Donatism to Catholicism. His Bishopric had long been a center of Donatism and Maximian was almost killed by his former colleagues on two occasions.[1] Such that Augustine once said of him He has more scars than limbs.
He was first attacked in his cathedral, by a Donatist mob who used clubs and swords,[2] where he was rescued by Catholic supporters after sustaining serious wounds.
A second time he was attacked by a circumcellion mob in a similar way. He had used the civil courts to secure possession of a disputed chapel,[3] but as he was taking possession he was attacked and dragged to the top of a tower from which he was thrown. As fate would have it his fall was broken when he landed in a pile of manure. He was found injured by a sympathetic couple and hidden.[4]
In 404 he appealed to the Roman Emperor Honorius regarding these abuses.[5] The emperor reinstated laws against the Donatists as a result.[6]
Augustine in a letter of 402 states that Maximian had abdicated possibly under duress.[7] and Augustine encouraged Maximian's brother Castorius to replace him.[8]
He is venerated by the Catholic Church as a saint. His feast-day is October 3 according to the Roman Martyrologium.