Saint Faustus of Riez was an early Bishop of Riez in Southern Gaul, the best known and most distinguished defender of Semipelagianism.
Background
Faustus was born between 405 and 410, and according to his contemporaries, Avitus of Vienne and Sidonius Apollinaris, in the island of Britain. He is thought by some to have been a lawyer but owing to the influence of his mother, famed for her sanctity, he abandoned secular pursuits as a young man and entered the monastery of Lérins.
Career
Nothing is known about his early life or his education. Here he was soon ordained to the priesthood and because of his extraordinary piety was chosen in 432 to be head of the monastery, in succession to Maximus who had become Bishop of Riez. After the death of Maximus he became Bishop of Riez.
This elevation did not make any change in his manner of life.
He continued his ascetic practices, and frequently returned to the monastery of Lérins to renew his fervour. He was a zealous advocate of monasticism and established many monasteries in his diocese.
Foreign this, and as is said for his view, stated below, of the corporeity of the human soul, he incurred the enmity of Euric, King of the Visigoths, who had gained possession of a large portion of Southern Gaul, and was banished from his see. His exile lasted eight years, during which time he was aided by loyal friends.
On the death of Euric he resumed his labours at the head of his diocese and continued there until his death between 490 and 495.
His own diocesan flock considered him a saint and erected a basilica in his honour.