The first bishop of Toulouse was St. Saturninus. He established a little church in the town shortly after his arrival; it is unknown if there had previously been Christians there or if many people had been converted by his sermons.

During his time there, he had to pass in front of the capitol, where there was a pagan temple, in order to get to his parish. His regular passing in front of their temple was the reason given by the pagan priests there for the stillness in their oracles.

They arrested him one day and, upon his refusal to offer sacrifice to their idols, chained his feet to a bull, dragging him around the town until the rope snapped.

In order to prevent the pagans from profaning his remains, two pious ladies collected them and buried them in a deep ditch. He was buried with more honour by his successors, Saints. Hilary and Exuperius.

A church was built where the bull came to a halt after carrying the dead bishop throughout town. This church still remains and is known as the Church of the Taur (the bull). Saint Sernin's (also known as Saturninus) Church is one of the oldest and most exquisite in all of Southern France. The saint's body was moved there early on and is still intact.

This saint's martyrdom most likely occurred in 257, during Valerian's rule. His feast is celebrated on November 29.

Other Saints of the Day
Saint Philomenus
Saint Egelwine
Saint Hardoin
Saint Illuminata
Saint Francis Fasani