Saint Hermenegild Lost His Throne for the Faith but Gained a Crown
History remembers many kings and princes. But Saint Hermenegild is remembered for something greater: he was prepared to lose his throne rather than deny the Catholic Faith.
Padre Pio encouraged the reading of the lives of the saints, and the story of Saint Hermenegild shows why their examples remain so powerful. This reflection draws from the writings of Professor Plinio Corrêa de Oliveira. https://www.tfp.org/the-founder/
From Arian Prince to Catholic Convert
Around the year 500, Arianism dominated Spain. This heresy denied that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is co-eternal and equal with the Father. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arianism
King Leovigild and his two sons, Hermenegild and Reccared, professed Arianism. When his sons came of age, Leovigild placed Hermenegild over Seville and Reccared over Toledo. Then Hermenegild married Ingunda, a fervent Catholic princess. His stepmother, Gosvinta, tried to convert Ingunda to Arianism, but instead of abandoning her faith, Ingunda helped lead her husband to the Catholic Church.
With great solemnity, Hermenegild renounced his error and was received into the Church by Saint Leander, Bishop of Seville. His conversion placed him in direct conflict with his father.
He Would Rather Lose Everything Than Lose the Faith
King Leovigild threatened to depose his son unless he returned to Arianism. Hermenegild remained firm: he would rather disobey his earthly father than disobey God.
The king marched against him with an army and laid siege to Seville. After prolonged fighting, Hermenegild eventually sought reconciliation with his father. But Leovigild stripped him of his royal insignia and cast him into prison.
Hermenegild accepted the loss with trust in God. Given repeated opportunities to deny his faith, he refused. “It does not cost me much to renounce a passing, earthly crown when I hope for an eternal one.” His earthly throne had been taken from him, but Hermenegild understood that there was another kingdom for which he was willing to sacrifice everything.
The Martyrdom of Saint Hermenegild
At Easter, an Arian bishop was sent to bring Hermenegild communion. He refused to receive it. When Leovigild heard what had happened, he ordered his son’s execution. The executioners entered the prison expecting resistance. Instead, Hermenegild knelt and gave thanks to God. While kneeling in prayer, he was struck down.
His death, however, was not the end of the story. Leovigild was afterwards overcome with remorse. During his final illness, he summoned Saint Leander and asked him to instruct his remaining son, Reccared, in the Catholic Faith. Reccared would become Catholic, and the kingdom would follow.
Professor Plinio Corrêa de Oliveira saw in Saint Hermenegild’s martyrdom the beginning of the conversion of Spain: what appeared to be defeat became, through Providence, the seed of a much greater victory.
Saint Hermenegild chose an eternal crown over a passing one. His life reminds us that fidelity to God can demand sacrifice—but nothing surrendered for the Faith can compare with what God has promised.
Explore more reflections on the saints, Catholic devotion and the spiritual counsels of Padre Pio here at Following Padre Pio. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC62YA49gU_tmOCfsqhHLx0w
