ST. NICETUS, ARCHBISHOP OF LYONS, CONFESSOR, CALLED BY THE FRENCH NIZIER

HE was descended from an ancient noble Gaulish family in Burgundy, and, by the care of virtuous parents, received a learned and pious education. Humility and assiduous prayer were his favorite virtues from the cradle. In his father’s house he always chose to appear the lowest in the family, though by birth he had a right to claim the highest place next his parents. He readily gave a preference in all things to his brethren, and took a singular delight, during his hours of recreation, in performing the most servile offices. He instructed, with the utmost diligence, the servants and children in all Christian duties, and taught them the psalter and church office. He succeeded his uncle, St. Serdot, in the see of Lyons, in 551, which he governed with indefatigable zeal during twenty-two years, till his happy death on the 2d day of April, in 577. Great miracles confirmed the opinion of his sanctity: his relics are preserved in the parish church of his name, in Lyons: his memory is famous in France, and recorded in the Roman Martyrology.