Ildefonsus

Ildefonso (c. 607 in Toledo, † January 23 667) was Archbishop of Toledo from 657 to 667

Life

Ildefonso came from the Visigothic elite, his Gothic name Hildefuns means The Fighter '. He was born around 607 and was a nephew of Eugenius of Toledo, and a student of Isidore of Seville. From a young age he became a monk in the monastery Agli at Toledo. In his time as a simple monk he founded and financed a nunnery. He later became abbot of the monastery. In this role, he was one of the signatories of the decisions of the Councils of Toledo of 653 and 655 657, he was appointed by the Visigoth king Reccesvinth as Archbishop of Toledo, a post he held until his death. He died on 23 January 667, he was buried in the Basilica of Santa Leocadia in Toledo. His death was also his holiday.

Work

Ildefonso was famous for his great eloquence. He was a writer and continued the Gothic history of Isidore. He wrote several theological works, but also dabbled in poetry. His most famous work, De Viris illustribus. He contributed much to today's devotion to the Virgin Mary in Spain.

Ildefonso is venerated as a saint in the Orthodox and the Catholic Church.

Iconography

Ildefonso is represented either as a monk or a bishop. His attributes are book and pen, miter and bishop's robe, and Rochett Mozzetta as well as a portrait of the Madonna.

Writings

His writings have been published in Patrologia latina Mignes.

• De virorum Illustrium scriptis.

• Libellus de virginitate S. Mariae contra tres Infideles
• Sermo in the S. Mariae.