January 23

St. Ildephonsus

When they lived: St. Ildephonsus of Toledo, also known as Ildefonso or Ildefonzo, lived during the 7th century. He was born around the year 607 and died in 667.

Where they lived: St. Ildephonsus lived in Toledo, a prominent city in the Kingdom of the Visigoths, located in what is now modern-day Spain.

Notable world events during the time of their life:

Islamic Expansion: During St. Ildephonsus’ lifetime, the Islamic expansion into the Iberian Peninsula was underway. The Muslims conquered Hispania in 711, just a few decades after his death, leading to significant changes in the region’s cultural and religious landscape.
Byzantine-Sassanian War: The Byzantine-Sassanian War (602-628) occurred during St. Ildephonsus’ early years. This conflict between the Byzantine Empire and the Sassanian Empire had far-reaching effects on the Eastern Mediterranean and the broader geopolitics of the time.
Death of Muhammad: The death of the Islamic prophet Muhammad in 632 had a profound impact on the development of Islam and its subsequent expansion beyond the Arabian Peninsula.
Synod of Whitby: In 664, the Synod of Whitby took place in England. This synod played a significant role in determining the religious practices and traditions of the Christian Church in England, particularly regarding the calculation of Easter.
Plague of Justinian: While the Plague of Justinian primarily occurred before St. Ildephonsus’ birth, its lingering effects and occasional outbreaks continued to shape societies in the Mediterranean region during his lifetime.
Development of the Gregorian Chant: The period in which St. Ildephonsus lived saw the gradual development and codification of the Gregorian Chant, which would go on to become a cornerstone of Western liturgical music.

Patronage: St. Ildephonsus is the patron saint of Toledo, Spain, which was his hometown. He is also considered the patron saint of the city’s cathedral. His intercession is often sought for protection against floods and other water-related disasters, which is attributed to a legendary story where the Virgin Mary saved him from drowning. Additionally, he is invoked as a patron of theologians and scholars due to his contributions to theological writings.

Early Life

Saint Ildephonsus, also characterized as Ildefonsus or Ildephonse in some literature, was born in Toledo around 607. His gothic name was Hildefuns, and his parents were noble members of the Visigothic kingdom.

His uncle was Saint Eugenius, An Archbishop at Toledo at that time.

Ildephonsus grew up in a challenging time characterized by wars and diseases. That, however, did not deter the devout young man from focusing on his religion and spirituality.

Saint Ildephonsus was trained and taught by his uncle Eugenius at the start of his religious journey.

After a while, Ildephonsus made it known that he was interested in joining the monastery. His father disagreed, but nothing could convince Ildephonsus otherwise.

He joined the Agali Monastery and became a monk. While serving in the monastery, he established a monastery for nuns.

His first formal religious career began in approximately 632, when he was ordained deacon by Bishop Eladius. By the year 650, Saint Ildephonsus was elected Abbot of the Abbey, where he spent his early life.

While serving as Abbot, his place of power gave him a ticket to attend synods at the 8th and 9th councils of Toledo at the Iberian church. The synods took place around 653 and 655.

After his Uncle passed away in 657, Saint Ildephonsus was considered eligible to fill the empty seat and was thus elected as his successor. He was encouraged by King Reccesvinth to accept the post, and he became Archbishop of Toledo, governing over all the churches.

Dedication and Devotion

In the history of Saint Ildephonsus’ biography, it is mentioned that he had spiritual connections to saints, especially the Virgin Mary.

Archbishop Cixila, the successor of Saint Ildephonsus, wrote about an instance where Saint Ildephonsus had an encounter with Saint Leocadia. He wrote that as Ildephonsus was praying in the presence of Saint Leocadia’s relics, She appeared to him and thanked him for the commitment he showed to the Virgin Mary.

It was also written in history that he had an experience with the Blessed Virgin on the 18th of December, Circa 665. She appeared to him and presented him with a robe as a reward for his devotion.

It is reported that as Saint Ildephonsus and the brethren sang the Hail Mary hymns, the Church was lit up with a bright light, causing most of the congregation to flee with fear. Ildephonsus and the few members and deacons left in the church suddenly saw the Blessed Mother come down from the heavens upon the bishop’s chair.

She applauded his devotion and rewarded him with a chasuble. She injuncted him to only wear the robe during the Marian festival. She then bid him goodbye and disappeared.

In awe of the vision, the authorities promoted Saint Ildephonsus to the metropolitan see, thereby awarding him power over the Iberian Peninsula.

Legacy

Saint Ildephonsus and his writings are highly revered in Spain. He was a prolific writer and was named as one of the first people to address the Mother of Jesus as the Virgin’ as opposed to our Lady’.

His writings are considered monumental, and one of the important works is De Perpetua virginitate Mariae contra tres infideles, which became an extremely important part of religion in Spain. Most of his works spoke of Marian teachings.

It is speculated that Saint Ildephonsus probably wrote the Visigothic Mass of Ascension. He was also a supporter of the Nicene Creed and considered the creed sufficientem scientiam salutarem, meaning sufficient knowledge for salvation.

His writings were extensive and explained by many future writers. Unfortunately, only a few of his writings survived until recent times.

Death and Canonization

Saint Ildephonsus spent nine years serving the Church. He died in office on January 23, 667, after living a life of piety and sanctity.

He was buried in the city’s basilica, the Church of Santa Leocadia.

Saint Ildephonsus’ vision of the Virgin was considered so sacred that even when the Toledo Basilica was transformed into a Mosque, the part where the vision occurred was kept sacred. Many pilgrims came from far and wide to pray to the stone on which The Virgin reportedly stepped during the vision.

Saint Ildephonsus was canonized Pre-Congregation and is celebrated every year on the day of his death, January 23.

5 Interesting Facts About St. Ildephonsus

Did you know that Saint Ildephonsus is considered the patron saint?
of Toledo?
Did you know that there is more information about Saint Ildephonsus’
writing than of his personal life?
Did you know that Saint Ildephonsus inaugurated a feast to celebrate
the vision he had of Mary? The feast was called the Feast of the
Expectation of the Blessed Virgin Mary and is still honored by
some people on the 18th of December.
Did you know that the Chasuble Virgin Mary bequeathed unto Saint
Ildephonsus was said to be from Jesus’ treasury.
Did you know that Saint Ildephonsus is also called Alfonso by some?

Prayer of St. Ildephonsus

Virgin Mary, hear my prayer: Through the Holy Spirit, you became the Mother of Jesus; from the Holy Spirit, may I too have Jesus. Through the Holy Spirit, your flesh conceived Jesus; through the same Spirit, may my soul receive Jesus. Through the Holy Spirit, you were able to know Jesus, to possess him, and to bring him into the world. Through the Holy Spirit, may I too come to know your Jesus. Imbued with the Spirit, Mary, you could say, I am the handmaid of the Lord; be it done unto me according to your word. In the Holy Spirit, lowly as I am, let me proclaim the great truths about Jesus. In the Spirit, you now adore Jesus as Lord and look on Him as Son; in the same spirit,Mary, let me love your Jesus.

[Source:https://www.vaticansite.com/prayer-of-saint-ildephonsus/]{.ul}