Candidus
Candidus was a commander of the Theban Legion, a group of Christians from Upper Egypt. He is venerated as a Christian saint and martyr, remembered for his military leadership and steadfast refusal to renounce his faith. He is chiefly recalled for his martyrdom alongside Saint Maurice and other members of the legion.
- Feast Day
- September 22
- Century
- 3rd century
- Country Or Region
- Switzerland
Key Facts
- ›Candidus was a commander of the Theban Legion, composed of Christians from Upper Egypt.
- ›He is described as Maurice's senator militum or staff officer.
- ›Candidus opposed Maximian's order to harass local Christians, stating his allegiance to God.
- ›He is said to have been martyred at Agaunum (modern Saint Maurice-en-Valais) with the rest of the legion.
- ›His feast day is September 22.
- ›Relics of Candidus are preserved in a 6th-century reliquary at the Abbaye de Saint-Maurice D'Agaune.
About Candidus
Candidus (died c. 287 AD) was a prominent commander within the Theban Legion, a military unit notable for its Christian composition drawn from Upper Egypt. He is revered as a Christian saint and martyr.
Legend and Martyrdom
Candidus's presence in the Theban Legion was first documented by Eucherius, Bishop of Lyon, in 434 AD. Later tradition, particularly as recorded in the 13th-century Golden Legend, identifies Candidus as one of the principal officers serving under Maurice, the duke of the legion. He is described as Maurice's senator militum, or staff officer.
According to hagiographical accounts, Candidus, along with Maurice and other officers, refused to carry out the orders of Emperor Maximian to persecute local Christians. Candidus is quoted as stating, "we are your soldiers, but we are also servants of the true God. We cannot renounce Him who is our Creator and Master, and also yours even though you reject Him." This defiance led to the martyrdom of Candidus, Maurice, and an estimated 6,600 soldiers at Agaunum, a Swiss town then known as Saint Maurice-en-Valais.
Veneration and Relics
Candidus is commemorated liturgically on September 22. His relics have a significant history of veneration. They were housed in a 6th-century reliquary at the Abbaye de Saint-Maurice d'Agaune. His skull is preserved in an embossed silver bust within the Abbey's Treasury. In modern times, some of Candidus's relics have been entrusted to Our Lady of Malibu Catholic Church in California, having been given by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles in 1960. These relics were rededicated in 2014. It has also been confirmed that his relics can be found at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church in Huntington Beach, California.
Other Saints Named Candidus
It is important to distinguish this Candidus from other saints who share the same name, including Candidus of Armenia, Candidus of Rome, Candidus the Martyr, and Candidus of Maastricht, each with their own distinct feast days and historical accounts.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Saint Candidus?
Saint Candidus was a commander of the Theban Legion, a military unit composed of Christians from Upper Egypt. He is venerated as a saint and martyr in the Christian tradition.
Why is Saint Candidus remembered?
Candidus is remembered for his courage and unwavering faith. He famously opposed the orders of Emperor Maximian to persecute local Christians, asserting his loyalty to God above earthly rulers.
When is Saint Candidus's feast day?
The feast day of Saint Candidus is celebrated on September 22.
Where is Saint Candidus venerated?
Candidus is venerated as a Christian saint and martyr. His relics are held at the Abbaye de Saint-Maurice d'Agaune in Switzerland, and also at churches in the United States.
What was the role of Candidus in the Theban Legion?
Candidus served as a commander and staff officer within the Theban Legion. He is mentioned in historical legends alongside Saint Maurice, the duke of the legion.
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