Calimerius
Calimerius was an early bishop of Milan, honored as a saint in the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches. While historical details are scarce, legends associate him with a martyrdom by being flung headfirst into a well. His relics were discovered submerged in water, which likely gave rise to this tradition.
- Feast Day
- July 31
- Century
- 3rd century
- Country Or Region
- Italy
Key Facts
- ›Calimerius was an early bishop of Milan, with an episcopate possibly from 270–280 AD.
- ›He is honored as a saint in the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches.
- ›His feast day is celebrated on July 31.
- ›Legends describe him as being martyred by being flung headfirst into a well.
- ›His relics were exhumed in the eighth century and found submerged in water, possibly contributing to the well legend.
- ›The Basilica of Saint Calimerius in Milan was built in the fifth century to house his relics.
Calimero
About Calimerius
Calimerius of Milan
Calimerius (died 280 AD) is honored as a saint in the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches, primarily known as an early bishop of Milan. While historical certainty regarding his life is limited, he is traditionally venerated as a martyr whose relics are preserved in Milan. His feast day is celebrated on July 31st.
Life and Historical Context
The most concrete information available about Calimerius is that he was a bishop whose relics were housed in the Basilica of Saint Calimerius in Milan after his death. Historical consensus places him in the 3rd century, with his episcopate estimated to have lasted from 270 to 280 AD. It is doubted that he was a contemporary and disciple of Pope Telesphorus, as some traditions suggest.
Legends and Veneration
Several legends surround Calimerius. One account states he was of noble Roman birth, served in the military, and was converted by Saints Faustinus and Jovita. Another legend describes him as Greek, educated in Rome, and a disciple of Pope Telesphorus, succeeding Saint Castricianus. According to these traditions, he was ordained a priest and later elected bishop of Milan.
The most prominent legend concerning his death involves him being flung headfirst into a well during Christian persecutions, possibly under Emperor Commodus or Hadrian. This narrative likely arose from the circumstances of the exhumation of his relics in the 8th century by Bishop Tommaso Grassi of Milan, when the urn was found submerged in water. In the 11th century, the Datiana Historia further elaborated on this, suggesting the well incident was revenge for his extensive baptism of pagans.
Devotion to Calimerius is marked by the veneration of the waters from the well associated with his death. On his feast day, July 31st, the sick would drink from this water, and in times of drought, priests would use it to bless the fields. The Basilica of San Calimero in Milan was built in the 5th century to house his relics, and other basilicas are dedicated to him in Pasturo and Bolladello di Cairate.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Saint Calimerius live?
Calimerius was an early bishop of Milan who died in 280 AD. While some traditions place him earlier, he is believed to have lived in the third century, with an episcopate possibly from 270–280 AD.
What is Saint Calimerius known for?
He is known as an early bishop of Milan and is honored as a saint in both the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches. Legends associate him with martyrdom, specifically being flung headfirst into a well.
What is the significance of the well associated with Calimerius?
The well is linked to the legend of Calimerius' martyrdom. His relics were found submerged in water during an exhumation, which may have led to the tradition that he was killed by being thrown into a well. The waters of this well were later venerated for their supposed healing properties.
When is Saint Calimerius' feast day?
Saint Calimerius' feast day is celebrated on July 31.
Where are Saint Calimerius' relics kept?
His relics were conserved in the Basilica of Saint Calimerius in Milan. This basilica was built in the fifth century specifically to house his remains.
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