Arthelais
Arthelais was a Christian saint venerated in the Catholic Church, known for her vow of chastity and miraculous deliverance from kidnappers. She is remembered as one of the patron saints of Benevento, where she lived a life of prayer and piety.
- Feast Day
- March 3
- Century
- 6th century
- Country Or Region
- Italy
Key Facts
- ›Arthelais lived from 544 to 560 and is venerated as a Christian saint.
- ›She is one of the patron saints of Benevento, alongside Barbatus of Benevento and Bartholomew.
- ›Her feast day is celebrated on March 3rd.
- ›According to legend, she was the daughter of a proconsul in Constantinople and fled an unwanted pursuit by Justinian.
- ›She was kidnapped by robbers but was freed by an angel.
- ›Arthelais died at the age of seventeen from a fever after living in prayer and piety in Benevento.
Sant' Artellaide
About Arthelais
Arthelais, also known in Italian as Sant' Artellaide, was a Christian saint venerated in the 6th century. She is recognized as one of the patron saints of the city of Benevento, alongside Barbatus of Benevento and Bartholomew.
Life and Veneration
A legend surrounding Arthelais describes her as a native of Constantinople, born to Lucius, an imperial proconsul, and his wife Anthusa. The narrative states that she was pursued by Justinian, who desired her, but Arthelais had taken a vow of chastity. At her request, she was sent to her uncle Narses in Italy with three servants, but they were waylaid by robbers.
Her servants sought help at the Church of Saint Eulalia, praying for their mistress's safe return and giving alms. The legend continues that an angel slew the jailer and freed Arthelais from the robbers, who intended to sell her for immoral purposes, while the devil seized the other robbers. Arthelais was reunited with her servants and proceeded to Siponto, making an offering at the Sanctuary of Monte Sant'Angelo in thanksgiving.
Her uncle Narses met her and brought her to Benevento, where she settled. She spent her remaining years in prayer and piety, and was credited with working many miracles. Arthelais died at the age of seventeen, reportedly of a fever, and was transported to the church of San Luca. Her relics were subsequently transferred to the Cattedrale metropolitana di Santa Maria de Episcopio.
Feast Day and Patronage
Arthelais's feast day is observed on March 3rd. She is venerated as a Christian saint, and her patronage extends to the city of Benevento.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Saint Arthelais?
Arthelais was a Christian saint who lived from 544 to 560. She is venerated in the Catholic Church and is one of the patron saints of Benevento, Italy.
What is Saint Arthelais known for?
She is known for her vow of chastity and a legendary account of her miraculous deliverance from kidnappers by an angel. She is also remembered for her life of prayer and piety in Benevento, where she performed miracles.
When is Saint Arthelais's feast day?
Her feast day is celebrated on March 3rd.
Where is Saint Arthelais venerated?
Arthelais is venerated as a saint, particularly in Benevento, Italy, where she is one of the patron saints.
What is the legend surrounding Saint Arthelais?
The legend states she was pursued by Justinian, but she had taken a vow of chastity. While being transported to her uncle in Italy, she was kidnapped, but an angel intervened to free her, and the devil dealt with her captors.
Related Saints
Barbatus of Benevento
Barbatus of Benevento was a bishop who served from 663 to 682, succeeding Ildebrand. He is remembered for his efforts to eliminate idolatrous superstitions among his flock and for his participation in important church councils. He notably assisted Pope Agatho in 680 and attended the Third Council of Constantinople in 681.
Cunigunde of Luxembourg
Cunigunde of Luxembourg was an Empress of the Holy Roman Empire and a saint. She is remembered as a politically active consort to Emperor Henry II and for her later life as a Benedictine nun. Her feast day is celebrated on March 3rd.
Katharine Drexel
Katharine Drexel was an American Catholic religious sister and educator, canonized by Pope John Paul II in 2000. She is remembered for founding the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament and dedicating her life and fortune to serving Black and Indigenous Americans through education.