Saint Gaudentius (fl. end of 4th century-early 5th century) was a bishop of Novara, considered the first of that city.^[1] Tradition states that he was born to a pagan family at Ivrea, and was then converted to Christianity by Eusebius of Vercelli. Some sources say that Eusebius ordained Gaudentius a priest, and that Gaudentius was sent to Novara by Eusebius to assist a Christian priest named Laurence (Laurentius) there.^[1]

Eusebius of Vercelli was exiled after a synod held at Milan (355); some sources state that Gaudentius accompanied him in exile.^[1] Eusebius ordered him back to Novara, where Laurence had been killed. Gaudentius was supported in his mission by a new ally: Saint Ambrose, bishop of Milan. Simplician, Ambrose's successor, consecrated Gaudentius as bishop of Novara in 398 AD.^[1]

Gaudentius preached and ordained many new clergymen. A miracle reported of his death states that Gaudentius’ head continued to speak after the saint had died, so that the clergy could record and repeat his sermons.^[1]

The Basilica of San Gaudenzio in Novara, as well as numerous churches throughout the region, is dedicated to him. Gaudentius is depicted a holding a model of a church.^[2]

• Nicholas Everett, Patron Saints of Early Medieval Italy AD c.350-800 (PIMS/ Durham University Press, 2016), pp.14-38.

• (in Italian) San Gaudenzio
• Nicholas Everett, "The Hagiography of Lombard Italy", Hagiographica 7 (2000) 92–100.