Why This Saint Is Literally Named “Thanks Be to God”

What if your name wasn’t just a label, but a statement of faith and gratitude – “Thanks be to God.”

This was the reality of Saint Deogratias, the Bishop of Carthage from 454 to 457. His name, Deogratias, was derived from the Latin ‘Deo gratias’, an expression of gratitude to God.

The period preceding Deogratias’ tenure saw the absence of a bishop in Carthage for 14 long years, the result of King Genseric’s hostile takeover and the expulsion of the previous bishop, Quodvultdeus, and his priests. The people were in need of spiritual guidance and along came Deogratias offering hope.

As bishop, Deogratias demonstrated remarkable compassion and leadership. He sold church treasures to purchase freedom for slaves held by the Vandals. Transforming two large basilicas into refuges, he provided bedding and nourishment to those in need. His selfless actions embodied the very meaning of his name.

After Deogratias’ death in 457, his name continued to spread. In Africa, served as a distinct salutation among Catholics, a declaration of their faith that set them apart from the Donatists who preferred the greeting ‘Deo laudes’.

This distinction went on to influence the naming tradition, with Deogratias becoming a favored Catholic given name, exemplified by the saint himself and a deacon who was the subject of St. Augustine’s treatise “De catechizandis rudibus.” Centuries later, Felix of Cantalice, a Catholic friar, became known as “Brother Deogratias” for his frequent use of the interjection ‘Deo gratias’.

Indeed, this saint was literally, and most fittingly, named “Thanks be to God”.

Pray for us, Saint Deogratias!

🙏

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