00:00Imagine Gaul in the 3rd century, still largely pagan.
00:05It is in this context that Firmin, born in Pamplona, Spain, enters the scene.
00:11His father, a Roman senator named Firmo, was converted by a man named Honestus.
00:18missionary sent by Saint-Saturnin of Toulouse.
00:22Young Firmin thus grew up in a newly Christian family.
00:26and he himself is baptized by Saturna.
00:30Endowed with ardent faith and missionary zeal,
00:33Firmin was ordained a priest, then a bishop.
00:36His mission? To spread the good news in regions where Christ is still unknown.
00:43He travels through Aquitaine, Auvergne, and Beauvais,
00:47sowing the seeds of faith wherever he goes.
00:51But it was in Amiens that he would leave the deepest mark.
00:56Having arrived in this city of Belgic Gaul,
00:58Firmin settled in and began his work of evangelization.
01:03His message is powerful, his charity radiant.
01:07He preached with such conviction that he converted thousands of people.
01:12men and women, rich and poor.
01:15He organized the first Christian community in Amiens,
01:19thus becoming its very first bishop.
01:22He built places of worship, baptized tirelessly,
01:26and founded a solid church, laying the foundations of Christianity in the region.
01:32Unfortunately, this period was also marked by Roman persecutions.
01:37Firmin's popularity and success did not go unnoticed.
01:42The pagan authorities, viewing the rise of Christianity with suspicion,
01:46have them arrested.
01:49After refusing to renounce his faith,
01:52Firmin was martyred, beheaded, around the year 303.
01:56He gives his life for Christ,
01:59becoming a shining example of his faith.
02:02Today, Firmin is venerated as the patron saint of Amiens.
02:07where a magnificent basilica bears his name,
02:10as well as his hometown, Pamplona.
02:13It is in his honor that every year
02:16the famous festival of Saint Fermine,
02:19known for its bull runs.
02:21He is remembered as a courageous evangelist
02:25who did not hesitate to brave the dangers
02:28to spread the word of Christ
02:30and establish the foundations of the Church
02:32where it was still in its infancy.
02:36His life reminds us of the power of conviction
02:39and the power of faith
02:41who can move mountains
02:43even in the face of death.
