St. Maximus of Riez

Maximus came from Provence and received a Christian upbringing. Butler describes his early love of prayer and study, followed by his decision to give his possessions to the poor and enter the monastery of Lérins. He became its second abbot after St. Honoratus was called to Arles.

The account remembers the cheerfulness with which the monks served under his government. When others sought him for a bishopric he tried to withdraw from public attention. He eventually accepted the see of Riez, carrying the habits of religious life into pastoral service.

As bishop he continued to practise poverty, prayer and penance while attending to the needs of his people. Butler records his participation in church councils and the later preservation of his remains at Riez. An accompanying note warns against confusing him with the Maximus honoured in parts of Picardy. This reading keeps the bishop of Riez distinct and does not make the disputed attribution of sermons part of its account.