Baring-Gould’s sources: Not in any ancient Martyrology; first found in that of Castellani. Modem Roman Martyrology, inserted by Baronins. Authorities: — Notice in his own sermons, a letter of S. Chrysostom, mention in the Life of S. Chrysostom, &c.] Unfortunately but little is known of this prelate. On the death of S. Philastrius, Bishop of Brescia, he was chosen and ordained, against his will, by S. Ambrose of Milan. He was perhaps a native of Brescia, probably a clerk under S. Philastrius. He was sent in 405 by Pope Innocent to Constantinople with letters from the Pope and from Honorius to the feeble Arcadius, remonstrating with him for his treatment of S. John Chrysostom, then languishing in exile among the snows of Cucusus, and demanding that a council should be assembled at Thessalonica.

Gaudentius is chiefly known by his Paschal Sermons to the newly baptized. The date of his death is uncertain; it is put by some as late as 427, but it took place more probably about 410.

He built and dedicated a church at Brescia about a.d. 400, which he called the “ Council of the Saints.” This church he enriched with relics [the bodily remains of a saint, or objects they used, kept with honor] of a great number of saints. His body rests in the church of S. John at Brescia.