Antoninus of Sorrento
Antoninus of Sorrento was an Italian abbot, hermit, and saint who lived in the 7th century. He is remembered for his ascetic life, his role in establishing a church dedicated to Saint Michael, and his later service as abbot of a Benedictine monastery in Sorrento. He is venerated for miraculous interventions and saving the city from various dangers.
- Century
- 7th century
- Country Or Region
- Italy
Key Facts
- ›Antoninus was born in Campagna and became a monk at Monte Cassino.
- ›He was forced to leave Monte Cassino due to barbarian invasions, specifically the Lombards.
- ›He served as bishop of Castellammare DI Stabia, entrusting the role to Saint Catellus before leaving.
- ›Antoninus later settled in Sorrento and became abbot of the Benedictine monastery of San Agrippino.
- ›He is credited with saving a child from a whale and protecting Sorrento from invasions, revolts, and plagues.
- ›A crypt and basilica were erected in Sorrento in his honor.
Sorrento
Whale
About Antoninus of Sorrento
Antoninus of Sorrento was an Italian abbot, hermit, and saint who died in 625. His life was marked by monasticism, service to the church, and a reputation for protecting the city of Sorrento from various calamities.
Life and Context
Born in Campagna, Antoninus initially joined the monastic community at Monte Cassino. However, the instability caused by barbarian invasions forced him to leave. He eventually found his way to Castellammare di Stabia in Campania. There, the bishop, Saint Catellus, who wished to live as a hermit, appointed Antoninus to serve as the town's bishop. Antoninus, also desiring a life of solitude, later encouraged Catellus to resume his episcopal duties, and he himself retired to a natural grotto on Monte Aureo.
An apparition of Saint Michael is said to have inspired Antoninus and Catellus to collaborate on the construction of the stone church known as Monte San Angelo or Punta San Michele.
Ministry in Sorrento
The inhabitants of Sorrento persuaded Antoninus to settle in their city. He became the abbot of the Benedictine monastery of San Agrippino, succeeding Boniface. In this capacity, he became a revered figure in Sorrento.
Veneration and Legacy
Antoninus is venerated for a miraculous event where he is said to have saved a young child from being swallowed by a whale. The people of Sorrento honored him by constructing a crypt and basilica in his name. He is credited with interceding to save the city from numerous threats, including a Moorish naval invasion, the revolt of Giovanni Grillo against Spanish domination, demonic possession, bubonic plague, and cholera. His patronage and protection are still remembered in Sorrento.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Antoninus of Sorrento live?
Antoninus of Sorrento died in 625. He was an Italian abbot and hermit who lived during a period of barbarian invasions in Italy.
What is Antoninus of Sorrento known for?
He is known for his life as a monk and hermit, his brief service as bishop of Castellammare di Stabia, and his later role as abbot of a Benedictine monastery in Sorrento. He is also venerated for a miracle involving a child and a whale, and for protecting Sorrento from various dangers.
Where did Antoninus of Sorrento live and serve?
Antoninus was born in Campagna and initially joined the monastery at Monte Cassino. He later lived in Castellammare di Stabia and eventually settled in Sorrento, where he became abbot of the Benedictine monastery of San Agrippino. He also spent time as a hermit on Monte Aureo.
What significant events occurred during Antoninus's life?
During his time, Italy faced barbarian invasions, forcing him to leave Monte Cassino. He was also involved with Saint Catellus in the construction of a church dedicated to Saint Michael. Later in Sorrento, he was credited with saving the city from numerous threats.
How is Antoninus of Sorrento venerated?
The people of Sorrento erected a crypt and basilica in his honor. He is venerated for miraculous interventions, including saving a child from a whale, and for protecting the city from invasions, revolts, demonic possession, plague, and cholera.
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