St. Mello (also known as St. Melon or St. Mallonus) is traditionally regarded as the first bishop of Rouen in Normandy, France, in the 3rd century. According to local tradition, St. Mello was a Roman citizen who converted to Christianity and was subsequently ordained as a bishop, charged with spreading the Gospel in the region. His missionary work and leadership are credited with establishing the early Christian community in Rouen.
Though details about his life are sparse and mostly drawn from local tradition rather than detailed historical records, St. Mello is considered a martyr, having suffered persecution for his faith. Some accounts suggest he was put to death under the Roman authorities, while others imply he may have died peacefully, with the martyrdom attributed more to his enduring hardships for the faith.
The devotion to St. Mello persisted in Rouen, and his feast day is celebrated on October 22. His legacy as an early evangelizer and bishop has been honored in the local liturgical calendar, and he is remembered as a pioneer in the establishment of Christianity in the region. While historical details about St. Mello remain limited, his significance in local Christian tradition reflects the impact of the early missionary bishops who laid the foundations for the Church in Gaul.