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Agrippinus of Naples

Saint Agrippinus of Naples was a bishop of Naples in the 3rd century, venerated as a saint in the city. Tradition holds he was the sixth bishop, and while not considered a martyr, he was once as popular as Saint Januarius, with his relics enshrined in the Naples cathedral.

Country Or Region
Italy

Key Facts

  • Agrippinus was a bishop of Naples in the 3rd century.
  • Tradition states he was the sixth bishop of Naples.
  • He lived at the end of the 3rd century and does not appear to have been a martyr.
  • At one point, Agrippinus was as popular as Saint Januarius.
  • His relics were searched for in 1744 and found in a marble vase labeled 'Indeterminate relics that are believed to be the body of Saint Agrippinus.'
  • His relics are enshrined under the high altar of the cathedral of Naples with Saints Eutychius and Acutius.
Also Known As

Arpinus of Naples, Sant'Agrippino di Napoli, Sant'Arpino

Death Year
c. 304
Manner of Death
Venerated In
Role Type
Relics Location
Cathedral of Naples

About Agrippinus of Naples

Saint Agrippinus of Naples

Saint Agrippinus of Naples, also known as Arpinus, was a bishop of Naples who lived in the 3rd century. He is venerated in Naples as a saint, and tradition identifies him as the sixth bishop of the city. Unlike some prominent saints, Agrippinus does not appear to have been a martyr, and is chiefly remembered as a confessor.

Veneration and Relics

At one point in history, Agrippinus was as popular in Naples as the more widely celebrated Saint Januarius. The foundation of the church of San Gennaro extra Moenia is connected to the Catacombs of San Gennaro, a significant Christian catacomb complex in southern Italy. This site likely resulted from the fusion of two ancient burial grounds: one from the 2nd century CE containing the remains of Saint Agrippinus, and a 4th-century site holding the remains of Januarius.

In 1744, Cardinal Giuseppe Spinelli, the archbishop of Naples, undertook a search for Agrippinus' relics. This search yielded a marble vase containing "Indeterminate relics that are believed to be the body of Saint Agrippinus." Today, his relics are enshrined beneath the high altar of the cathedral of Naples, alongside the bodies of Saints Eutychius and Acutius, who were companions of Saint Januarius. An oil painting by Stefano Pozzi, titled "SS Januarius and Agrippino Driving out the Saracens," also commemorates his association with the city's patron saint.

Source: Wikipedia ↗

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Saint Agrippinus of Naples?

Saint Agrippinus of Naples was a bishop of Naples in the 3rd century. He is venerated as a saint in the city.

According to tradition, how many bishops was Agrippinus of Naples?

According to tradition, Agrippinus was the sixth bishop of Naples. He lived at the end of the 3rd century.

Was Saint Agrippinus of Naples a martyr?

The article text suggests that Agrippinus of Naples seems not to have been a martyr. He is primarily venerated as a confessor.

Where are the relics of Saint Agrippinus of Naples kept?

The relics of Saint Agrippinus are enshrined under the high altar of the cathedral of Naples. They are placed there alongside the bodies of Saints Eutychius and Acutius.

How popular was Saint Agrippinus of Naples?

At one point in history, Saint Agrippinus of Naples seems to have been as popular as the more celebrated Saint Januarius. His historical popularity is noted in connection with the Catacombs of San Gennaro.