Ansovinus

Saint Ansovinus

Saint Ansovinus (d. 816), also known as Sant'Ansovino in Italian, was a significant figure in the 9th century, serving as the bishop of Camerino. He is primarily venerated as the patron saint of agriculture and is remembered for his profound generosity and a notable miraculous gift.

Life and Ministry

Ansovinus received his education at the cathedral school of Pavia. Following his ordination to the priesthood, he initially lived as a hermit at Castel Raimondo near Torcello. Before his election as bishop of Camerino, he held the important role of confessor to Louis II, the Holy Roman Emperor. His acceptance of the bishopric was contingent upon Emperor Louis II agreeing to exempt his see from the conscription of local men into the soldiery, a common requirement for bishops at the time.

He was consecrated as bishop in Rome by Pope Leo IV. His participation in church councils is documented; he signed as Ansuinus Camerinensis at the Council of Rome held by Pope Nicholas I in 861. During his time as bishop, Ansovinus was characterized by his profound generosity towards the poor and his efforts in pacifying the various factions within the city.

Miracles and Patronage

A remarkable gift attributed to Ansovinus was the multiplication of food. He is said to have fed thousands of starving individuals from the regional granary at Castel Raimondo, an act where the grain supply miraculously never ran out. This miracle cemented his association with sustenance and provision, leading to his patronage of agriculture and small farmers.

Veneration

Saint Ansovinus's feast day is observed on March 13. The cathedral in Camerino houses the marble medieval arch of Sant'Ansovino, and a monumental sarcophagus erected around 1390 contains his relics. His festival was historically celebrated by the people of Camerino and the nobles of neighboring castles. Dedicated churches in his honor include Santi Venanzio e Ansovino in Rome, and rural churches in Avacelli, Casenove, Bevagna, and Monsammartino.