Savinian and Potentian

Who was Savinian and Potentian?

Saints Savinian and Potentian are martyrs commemorated as the patron saints and founders of the diocese of Sens, France. Savinian should not be confused with another early French martyr, Sabinian of Troyes.

Gregory of Tours does not mention them, nor does the Hieronymian Martyrology, which was revised before 600 at Auxerre or Autun. One source states that “it is considered likely that Sabinian and Potentian were bishops of Sens, with Potentian succeeding Sabinian.” On the other hand, one source calls only Sabinian a bishop; and also states that they had been sent to Sens “by the Roman Pontiff to preach the Gospel, and they rendered illustrious that city by the martyrdom following their confession of faith.” Later traditions made them earlier saints as disciples of Saint Peter.

A tradition states that they initially preached at Ferrières in the Gâtinais before preaching at Sens.

Another states that Savinian was killed with an axe at the spot now occupied by the crypt of the church at Sens dedicated to the two saints.