January 23

Saint Ildephonsus of Toledo

Roman Martyrology

Bishop of Toledo who wrote a heartfelt defence of Mary’s lifelong virginity

Ildephonsus lived in Toledo, the capital of Visigothic Spain, in the seventh century. As a young man he became a monk at the monastery of Agali, just outside the city, and was later chosen as its abbot. In 657 he became bishop of Toledo, and he led that church until his death in 667.

He was above all a writer and teacher. His best-known book defends the belief, already widely held in the Church, that Mary remained a virgin all her life. It is full of such intense, repeated praise that in places it reads almost like a prayer. He also wrote on baptism and the spiritual life, and short portraits of earlier bishops, which still help historians today.

A story written down after his death tells that Mary appeared to him and gave him a chasuble, the robe a priest wears at Mass. Spanish Christians have long loved him as a pastor who put his learning at the service of worship and of his people.

Then Mary said: “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior! For He has looked with favor on the humble state of His servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed. For the Mighty One has done great things for me. Holy is His name.

Luke 1:46–49 · BSB

A prayer

God of all wisdom, you gave your servant Ildephonsus a love for learning and a heart full of praise for the wonders you worked in Mary, the mother of your Son. Teach us to use our minds and our words to honour you and to build up your people, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.