SaintHerménégilde

Saint Herménégilde, also known as Saint Hermenegild, was a Visigothic prince and Christian martyr. He was born around 564 AD and died on April 13, 585 AD. Herménégilde was the son of King Liuvigild of the Visigoths and his first wife, Gosvinda. His father was a powerful Arian king who ruled over much of the Iberian Peninsula.

Herménégilde was married to Ingunda, a Frankish princess who was a devout Catholic. Through her influence and his own theological studies, Herménégilde converted from Arianism to Nicene Christianity. This conversion created a significant rift between him and his father, King Liuvigild, who remained an adherent of Arianism and sought to unify the Visigothic kingdom under that faith.

Driven by religious conviction and potentially political ambition, Herménégilde rebelled against his father. He seized control of Seville and other territories in Baetica. King Liuvigild, unable to reconcile with his son's religious and political defiance, eventually besieged Seville. After a prolonged siege, Herménégilde was captured in 584 AD.

Upon his capture, Liuvigild offered his son a chance to recant his Catholic faith and return to Arianism. Herménégilde steadfastly refused, enduring imprisonment and harsh treatment. He was eventually executed by beheading on April 13, 585 AD. His death solidified his status as a martyr for the Catholic faith within the Visigothic kingdom. Saint Herménégilde is venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church and is particularly important in Spain. His feast day is celebrated on April 13.