Aquilinus of Milan
Saint Aquilinus of Milan was a missionary priest and preacher venerated as a martyr by the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches. He is known for his extensive missionary work across Europe and for refusing prestigious bishoprics to continue his preaching. He is chiefly remembered for his martyrdom in Milan.
- Century
- 11th century
- Country Or Region
- Italy
Key Facts
- ›He died in 1015 and is venerated as a martyr.
- ›He was a missionary priest and preacher in Germany and other European countries.
- ›He studied theology in Cologne and was ordained a priest there.
- ›He refused the bishopric of Cologne and later Paris to continue his missionary work.
- ›Tradition states he was stabbed in Milan by a member of a heretical sect.
- ›His body was found and buried in the Basilica of San Lorenzo, Milan.
Aquilinus of Cologne, Sant'Aquilino
Hands Together In Prayer, Head Raised Upwards
About Aquilinus of Milan
Saint Aquilinus of Milan
Saint Aquilinus of Milan, who died in 1015, is a figure venerated as a martyr by the Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church. His life was dedicated to missionary work as a priest and preacher, traveling across Germany and other parts of Europe. He is distinguished by his refusal of prestigious bishoprics in favor of continuing his itinerant ministry.
Life and Ministry
Born into a noble family in Würzburg, Aquilinus pursued theological studies in Cologne, where he was eventually ordained a priest. Despite being offered the bishopric of Cologne, he chose to remain a missionary. His travels took him to Paris, where he is credited with miraculously curing people suffering from cholera, leading to another offer of a bishopric, which he again declined. He later journeyed to Pavia, where he actively preached against the teachings of the Cathars, Manichaeans, and Arians.
Martyrdom and Veneration
Aquilinus's missionary efforts eventually led him to Milan. Local tradition holds that while in Milan, he was stabbed by a follower of one of the heretical sects he had confronted. His body was reportedly cast into a drain near the Porta Ticinese. Following the discovery of his remains, he was buried in the Basilica of San Lorenzo in Milan. The Cappella di Sant'Aquilino within the basilica is dedicated to his memory and often features imagery of him in prayer.
Distinctions
It is important to distinguish Saint Aquilinus of Milan from other historical figures bearing the same name. He should not be confused with a 5th-century martyr who was killed during the reign of the Arian Vandal king Hunneric, nor with an early bishop of Cologne named Aquilinus.
Aquilinus was canonized before the formal process of canonization was established in the Catholic Church, indicating a long-standing veneration of his sanctity and martyrdom.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Saint Aquilinus of Milan?
Saint Aquilinus of Milan, who died in 1015, was a missionary priest and preacher. He is venerated as a martyr by both the Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church.
Where did Aquilinus of Milan preach?
He was a missionary priest and preacher in Germany and various other European countries. He traveled to Paris and Pavia before reaching Milan.
Why is Aquilinus confused with other saints?
He should not be confused with another Aquilinus martyred in 484 during the reign of the Arian Vandal king Hunneric, nor with an early bishop of Cologne also named Aquilinus.
How did Aquilinus of Milan die?
According to local tradition in Milan, he was stabbed by a member of a heretical sect, along with his companion Constantius. His body was then thrown into a drain.
Where is Aquilinus of Milan buried?
His body was found and subsequently buried in the Basilica of San Lorenzo, Milan. The Cappella di Sant'Aquilino is dedicated to him at this location.
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