St. Marcellus of Paris

Marcellus was born at Paris into a family without worldly distinction. Butler describes his early modesty, charity and love of prayer. His progress in sacred learning attracted the attention of Prudentius, bishop of Paris, who appointed him a reader in the church. He later received the priesthood and succeeded Prudentius as bishop.

The account presents him as a reluctant pastor who understood the weight of that office. His humility continued after his appointment, together with watchfulness and perseverance in its duties. The remembrance of his holiness became closely associated with the city he served.

Butler also discusses the famous story of Marcellus overcoming a great serpent. He cautions that its circumstances depend on a writer living nearly two centuries later, who probably accepted popular reports. That qualification belongs with the story. Marcellus was buried outside the city in the place later known as the suburb of Saint-Marceau. Butler records November 1 in the Roman Martyrology and November 3 in the Gallican observance.