(A.D. 580.)
[Commemorated in the Roman Martyrology on this day. His life was
written by a contemporary, according to Ducange.]
S. Melanius was born at Plas, in the neighbourhood of Vannes, in
Brittany, and became a monk when grown to man's estate. Upon the death
of S. Amandus, Bishop of Rennes, he was compelled by the clergy and
people to fill that see. He accepted the election of himself with great
reluctance. He is related to have performed many miracles, and to have
extirpated the last remnants of heathenism in his diocese. He died on a
journey through his diocese, at La Vilaine. His body was placed in a
boat, which, says the legend, returned to Rennes against the stream,
without oars or sail.