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.
- Feast Day
- February 19
- Century
- 7th century
- Country Or Region
- Italy
Key Facts
- ›He served as bishop of Benevento from 663 to 682.
- ›He succeeded Ildebrand as bishop.
- ›He participated in a church council called by Pope Agatho in Rome in 680.
- ›He attended the Third Council of Constantinople in 681 against the Monothelites.
- ›He destroyed a golden viper and a walnut tree worshipped by locals, melting the viper into a chalice.
- ›He is a chief patron of the city of Benevento.
San Barbato, Barbas
Benevento, Cicciano, Castelvenere, Casalattico, Valle Dell'Angelo
About Barbatus of Benevento
Barbatus of Benevento, also known as San Barbato or Barbas, served as the bishop of Benevento from 663 to 682. Born around 610 in the village of Vandano, near Cerreto Sannita, his life and ministry took place during a period of transition for the Duchy of Benevento, which had been captured by Arian Lombards.
Life and Ministry
Barbatus received a Christian education and dedicated himself to studying scripture. He entered holy orders and became a talented preacher, initially serving as a curate at St. Basil's Church in Morcone, where his reformist calls were met with indifference. He later returned to Benevento, where the populace still adhered to idolatrous superstitions, including the veneration of a golden viper and a local walnut tree, practices in which the Lombard prince Romuald I was also involved.
Barbatus preached fervently against these practices. His warnings about the impending trials at the hands of the East Roman Emperor Constans II proved prophetic when the emperor laid siege to Benevento. In their fear, the people renounced their superstitions. Barbatus then took decisive action, cutting down the sacred walnut tree and melting the golden viper into a chalice for church use. He also contributed to the city's defense by ordering the destruction of the Temple of Isis to provide materials for reconstructing the city walls in 663.
Episcopal Service and Councils
Following the death of the presiding bishop Ildebrand during the siege, Barbatus was appointed bishop on March 10, 663. He continued his mission to eradicate superstition and, in 673, was entrusted with the care of the grotto of St. Michael at Gargano by Duke Romuald. Barbatus played a significant role in wider church affairs, assisting in a council convened by Pope Agatho in Rome in 680 and participating in the Sixth Ecumenical Council (the Third Council of Constantinople) in 681, which addressed the Monothelite heresy.
Legacy
Barbatus of Benevento died on February 19, 682, at approximately seventy years of age. He is commemorated on February 19 and is recognized as one of the chief patrons of Benevento. He also lends his patronage to the towns of Cicciano, Castelvenere, Casalattico, and Valle dell'Angelo. His life exemplifies a commitment to Christian reform and the eradication of pagan practices in early medieval Italy.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Barbatus of Benevento bishop?
Barbatus of Benevento served as bishop of Benevento from 663 to 682. He succeeded Ildebrand in this role and continued his pastoral work until his death.
What is Barbatus of Benevento known for?
Barbatus is primarily known for his efforts to eliminate idolatrous superstitions among the people of Benevento, including destroying a golden viper and a worshipped walnut tree. He also participated in important church councils.
Which church councils did Barbatus of Benevento attend?
Barbatus of Benevento assisted in a church council called by Pope Agatho in Rome in 680. In 681, he attended the Third Council of Constantinople, which addressed the Monothelites.
Where is Barbatus of Benevento venerated?
Barbatus of Benevento is venerated in the Catholic Church and is considered one of the chief patrons of the city of Benevento. He is also the patron saint of several other towns, including Cicciano and Castelvenere.
Related Saints
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.
Boniface of Brussels
Boniface of Brussels was a Catholic prelate who served as the Bishop of Lausanne from circa 1231 to 1239. He is remembered for his academic career as a lecturer and teacher of dogma at the University of Paris and later in Cologne, and for his resignation as bishop after being assaulted by agents of Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II. His relics are housed at the Kapelle Kerk and La Cambre Abbey.
Conrad of Piacenza
Conrad of Piacenza was an Italian hermit and Franciscan tertiary who lived a life of prayer and penance. He is venerated as a saint, remembered for his austere life, his association with miracles, and his eventual canonization.