FLORIAN

florian, saint, a martyr honoured in upper austria. in the 8th century puoche was mentioned as the place of his tomb, and on the site was built the celebrated monastery of canons regular, st florian, which still exists. his _acta_ are of considerable antiquity, but devoid of historical value. their substance is borrowed from the _acta_ of st irenaeus of sirmium. the cult of st florian was introduced into poland, together with the relics of the saint, which were brought thither in 1183 by giles, bishop of modena. casimir, duke of poland, dedicated a church at cracow to him. he is represented in various ways, especially as a warrior holding in his hand a vessel from which he pours out flames. his protection is often sought against fire. his day in the calendar is the 4th of may. see _acta sanctorum_, may, i. 461-467; b. krusch, _scriptores rerum merovingicarum_, iii. 65-68; c. cahier, _caracteristiques des saints_, p. 490 (paris, 1867). (h. de.)