Anthimus of Rome
Saint Anthimus of Rome was a Christian priest who lived during the reigns of Emperors Diocletian and Maximian. Largely known through legend, he is remembered for his imprisonment for his faith, his miraculous escape from drowning, and his eventual martyrdom by beheading. His feast day is celebrated on May 11.
- Feast Day
- May 11
- Century
- 4th century
- Country Or Region
- Italy
Key Facts
- ›He was a Christian priest imprisoned for his beliefs during the time of Emperors Diocletian and Maximian.
- ›According to legend, he was thrown into the Tiber River with a stone around his neck but was miraculously rescued by an angel.
- ›He was later recaptured and beheaded by order of the consul Priscus.
- ›His feast day is may 11.
- ›His body was transferred to Tuscany during the time of Charlemagne and is associated with St. Antimo's Abbey.
- ›His life is largely composed of legend.
Sant'Antimo
About Anthimus of Rome
Saint Anthimus of Rome
Saint Anthimus of Rome, known in Italian as Sant'Antimo, is a Christian saint whose life is primarily recorded through legend. He died in 303 AD and is venerated for his faith and martyrdom.
Life and Historical Context
Anthimus is said to have been born in Bithynia. He was a Christian priest who faced persecution and imprisonment during the reigns of Emperors Diocletian and Maximian. The narrative of his life suggests he was found in prison by Lucina, the wife of the Roman governor of Bithynia, Pinianus. According to legend, Anthimus converted Pinianus, who was then cured of an illness. In gratitude, Pinianus liberated all Christian prisoners in his province and allowed Anthimus to find refuge.
Ministry and Martyrdom
Relocating to Italy, Anthimus continued his ministry, converting numerous individuals to Christianity. Countless miracles were attributed to him, including the conversion of a priest of the god Silvanus and his entire family. He was accused of destroying a simulacrum of Silvanus and, as a consequence, was thrown into the Tiber River with a stone tied around his neck. The legend states that he was miraculously saved by an angel. Despite this rescue, he was later recaptured and beheaded by the order of the consul Priscus. He was buried in the oratory where he habitually prayed.
Veneration
Anthimus' tomb was initially located at Montemaggiore and became a site for pilgrimage and veneration. During the era of Charlemagne, his body was transferred to Tuscany, near Montalcino, where St. Antimo's Abbey stands today. A 17th-century historian speculated that Pope Hadrian I may have given the relics of Saint Sebastian and Anthimus to Charlemagne, who then donated them to the abbey upon its founding, though this theory remains unverified.
His feast day is observed on May 11th.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Saint Anthimus of Rome?
Saint Anthimus of Rome, also known as Sant'Antimo, was a Christian priest who lived during the persecutions under Emperors Diocletian and Maximian. His life is largely described through legend.
What is Saint Anthimus of Rome known for?
He is chiefly remembered for his imprisonment for his Christian beliefs, his legendary miraculous escape from drowning in the Tiber River, and his eventual martyrdom by beheading. He is also associated with numerous miracles attributed to him.
When is the feast day of Saint Anthimus of Rome?
The liturgical feast day of Saint Anthimus of Rome is May 11.
Where is Saint Anthimus of Rome venerated?
Saint Anthimus is venerated in the Catholic Church. His tomb was initially at Montemaggiore, and his body was later transferred to Tuscany, where St. Antimo's Abbey stands.
Related Saints
Ignatius of Laconi
Ignatius of Laconi was a humble Capuchin friar from Sardinia, born Francesco Ignazio Vincenzo Peis. He is remembered for his charitable work among the poor and sick, and for the numerous miracles attributed to him both during his life and after his death. His life of dedicated service led to his canonization.
Ansfried of Utrecht
Saint Ansfried of Utrecht was a count and sword-bearer for Emperor Otto I before becoming the Bishop of Utrecht in 995. He is remembered for his military service, his role in founding the Abbey of Thorn, and his eventual reluctant consecration as bishop. Ansfried is also patron saint of Amersfoort.
Majolus of Cluny
Majolus of Cluny was the fourth abbot of Cluny, a pivotal figure in the monastic reform movement of the 10th century. He is remembered for his extensive travels, his influence in both secular and ecclesiastical courts, and his efforts to reform individual monastic communities by affiliating them with Cluny.