Attilanus
Attilanus was an Aragonese Benedictine bishop of Zamora who lived from 937 to 1007. He is remembered for renouncing his bishopric in response to the ravages of the Moors, only to be divinely warned to return. He was later canonized.
- Feast Day
- 5
- Century
- 11th century
- Country Or Region
- Spain
Key Facts
- ›Attilanus was an Aragonese Benedictine and bishop of Zamora.
- ›He served as prior of Moreruela Abbey.
- ›He is credited with renouncing his bishopric and throwing his episcopal ring into the Douro river.
- ›This act was in response to the ravages of the Moors in his diocese.
- ›He returned to his bishopric after a fish found his ring in the river, which he interpreted as a divine warning.
- ›He was canonized in or about the year 1095.
Atilanus, Sant Atilano
About Attilanus
Attilanus, also known as Atilanus or Sant Atilano in Aragonese, was an Aragonese Benedictine figure who lived from 937 to 1007. He is primarily recognized for his service as the bishop of Zamora and his priorate at Moreruela Abbey.
Life and Ministry
Bishop Attilanus is chiefly remembered for a dramatic episode during his episcopate. Faced with the severe devastation wrought by the Moors within his diocese, he felt his pastoral care had become futile. In response, he renounced his bishopric and symbolically cast his episcopal ring into the Douro River.
Divine Reinstatement
According to tradition, Attilanus's renunciation was met with a divine sign. The episcopal ring he had thrown into the river was found by a fish. Attilanus interpreted this event as a celestial warning and a call to return to his duties as bishop, resuming his care for the diocese.
Canonization
Attilanus was later canonized for his holiness and his enduring witness. His canonization took place in or around the year 1095.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Attilanus?
Attilanus was an Aragonese Benedictine who served as the bishop of Zamora. He also held the position of prior at Moreruela Abbey.
Why is Attilanus remembered for renouncing his bishopric?
Attilanus is remembered for renouncing his bishopric and throwing his episcopal ring into the Douro River. He did this because the ravages of the Moors in his diocese had rendered his care for the people seemingly useless.
How did Attilanus return to his bishopric?
According to tradition, Attilanus's episcopal ring was found by a fish in the Douro River. He saw this as a divine warning and returned to his bishopric.
When was Attilanus canonized?
Attilanus was canonized in or about the year 1095, some time after his death in 1007.
What is Attilanus's feast day?
Attilanus's feast day is observed on October 5th.
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