Aspren
Aspren was a 1st-century Christian saint and the first Bishop of Naples. He is venerated for his role in the early Neapolitan Church, with legends attributing his conversion and consecration to Saint Peter. Aspren is remembered for his long episcopate and the miracles attributed to him after his death.
- Century
- 2nd century
- Country Or Region
- Italy
Key Facts
- ›Aspren lived at the end of the 1st century and in the early 2nd century.
- ›The Marble Calendar of Naples attests to his existence and mentions his episcopate lasting twenty-three years during the reigns of Trajan and Hadrian.
- ›According to legend, Saint Peter converted Aspren, possibly through Candida the Elder, and consecrated him as bishop of Naples.
- ›Aspren was asked to construct the oratory of Santa Maria del Principio, which formed the basis for the basilica of Santa Restituta.
- ›Numerous miracles were attributed to Aspren after his death.
- ›He was named the second of Naples' patron saints in 1673.
Asprenas, Sant'Asprenato, Sant'Aspreno, Sant'Aspremo
About Aspren
Aspren, also known as Asprenas, is venerated as a 1st-century Christian saint and the first Bishop of Naples. His life and ministry are situated at the transition from the 1st to the 2nd century CE, a period supported by archaeological findings concerning the early Neapolitan Church and the historical prevalence of his name.
Historical Context and Life
Archaeological studies and the Marble Calendar of Naples provide evidence for Aspren's existence. This ancient calendar indicates that Aspren lived during the reigns of the Roman emperors Trajan and Hadrian, and it records his episcopate as having lasted for twenty-three years. The name 'Aspren' was common during the Roman Republic and the early Empire, later falling into disuse, which further supports his attribution to this era.
Legend and Conversion
While specific details of Aspren's life are scarce, an ancient legend connects him with Saint Peter. According to this tradition, Saint Peter visited Naples, where he converted an elderly woman named Candida the Elder. Aspren is said to have been converted either by Peter himself or by Candida. The legend further states that Peter consecrated Aspren as the bishop of Naples and instructed him to build the oratory of Santa Maria del Principio, which later formed the foundation for the basilica of Santa Restituta. The church of San Pietro ad Aram is also associated with this period.
Veneration and Legacy
Following Aspren's death, numerous miracles were attributed to him. His sepulcher was initially located in the oratory of Santa Maria del Principio, though some scholars suggest it may have been in the Catacombs of San Gennaro. John IV, the Bishop of Naples, later translated Aspren's relics to a chapel dedicated to him within the basilica of Santa Restituta. Aspren holds a significant place in Neapolitan devotion, being named the second of the city's over fifty patron saints, following Saint Januarius. A silver bust of Aspreno is preserved in Naples Cathedral, and the city features churches and a chapel dedicated in his honor. Bernardo Tesauro painted frescoes in the chapel of San Aspreno in Naples Cathedral.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Saint Aspren?
Aspren was a 1st-century Christian saint and the first Bishop of Naples. He lived at the end of the 1st and early 2nd centuries.
What is the legend surrounding Saint Aspren's conversion?
An ancient legend suggests that Saint Peter, on his way to Rome, stopped in Naples and converted Aspren, possibly either directly or through Candida the Elder, whom Peter had cured.
What role did Aspren play in the early Christian community of Naples?
Aspren was consecrated as the first bishop of Naples. He was tasked with constructing the oratory of Santa Maria del Principio, which later formed the basis for the basilica of Santa Restituta.
Where is Saint Aspren venerated?
Saint Aspren is venerated in Naples, Italy. He is one of the patron saints of Naples, and several churches and a chapel in Naples Cathedral are dedicated to him.
What is known about Aspren's life and death?
Little is definitively known about Aspren's life, but archaeological studies and historical records like the Marble Calendar of Naples confirm his existence and his episcopate of twenty-three years. Legends attribute miracles to him after his death.
Related Saints
Januarius
Januarius, also known as Gennaro, was a Bishop of Benevento and a martyr of the Catholic Church. He is chiefly remembered as the patron saint of Naples, where the miraculous liquefaction of his blood is a significant devotional event.
Andrew Avellino
Andrew Avellino was an Italian Theatine priest celebrated for his prolific preaching, tireless work hearing confessions, and dedicated visits to the sick. He is venerated as the patron saint of Naples and Sicily and is invoked for protection against sudden death.
Candida the Elder
Candida the Elder was a legendary early Christian saint and resident of Naples, Italy. According to tradition, she hospitably welcomed Peter the Apostle, was cured of an illness by him, and subsequently converted to Christianity. She is remembered for her conversion and for later converting Aspren, the first bishop of Naples.