Ildephonsus of Toledo
Ildephonsus of Toledo (c.607–77), archbishop. Born of a noble Spanish family, he may have been educated in part by Isidore. He became a monk at Agalia in his youth, was ordained priest c.637 and was appointed abbot in c.650. He took part in councils at Toledo (653 and 657) and was appointed archbishop also in 657. He was not only a devoted pastor but also a notable writer. His treatise on Baptism was followed up by one on the spiritual journey of the soul after Baptism; he also wrote a De viris illustribus, short biographies of worthies of the 7th-century Church in Spain. He is also specially remembered for his treatise on the Virginity of Mary, whose exuberant enthusiasm (said to be a Spanish symptom) was imitated later by others. A story related of her appearing to him on his episcopal throne and giving him a chasuble is found in most collections of Mary-Legends which were widely diffused from the 12th century onwards. This scene was painted by Velazquez, El Greco, and others. Feast: 23 January.
Bibliography
Click here for a list of abbreviations used in this bibliography.
- AA.SS. Ian. II (1734), 535–9; works in P.L., xcvi. 9–330; A. Braegelmann, The Life and Writings of St. Ildephonsus of Toledo (1942); J. M. C. Davila, Doctrina Mariana de S. Ildefonso de Toledo (1958); Bibl. SS., vii. 756–60
