According to tradition, Reverianus was of Italian origin, he was sent by Pope Felix I[1] to evangelize the Aedui, a Gallic people of Gallia Lugdunensis and is considered the "apostle of the Morvan".

According to tradition, Reverianus' preaching and conversions came to the attention of Emperor Aurelian, who was visiting the province of Sens at the time.

[2][4] According to one source, "the name [Reverianus] is not mentioned by earlier writers, and the first bishop of Autun seems to have been Reticius, who was present at the Synod of Rome A.D. 313, and at Arles in the following year".

[4] In the 4th century, with freedom of worship granted to Christians by the Edict of Milan (313 AD), a monastic cell was built over the graves of these martyrs.

[5] Another tradition celebrated by the Abbey of Notre-Dame de Nevers held that Reverianus died with his companions near this site,[4] near the spring that still bears his name.