Canius
Saint Canius was a Roman Catholic bishop and martyr, venerated as the patron saint of Calitri, Acerenza, and its archdiocese. Primarily known through the Passio San Canionis, he is remembered for his steadfast refusal to worship idols during the Diocletianic Persecution, his subsequent torture and imprisonment, and his eventual escape and ministry marked by miracles.
- Feast Day
- May 25
- Century
- 4th century
- Country Or Region
- Italy
Key Facts
- ›He was a bishop and martyr, venerated on may 25.
- ›He was born in Iulia (near Carthage) in the first half of the 3rd century and became bishop of Acerenza.
- ›During the Diocletianic Persecution, he refused to worship idols and acknowledge the emperor's divinity, leading to his torture and imprisonment.
- ›He is credited with performing several miracles at Atella, including healing a man during a heart attack, restoring sight to a blind woman, and curing a boy of demonic possession.
- ›His body was translated from Atella to Acerenza Cathedral around 800 AD.
- ›His crozier is preserved in the ambulatory of the present Acerenza Cathedral as a relic and testimony to the diocese's mission of evangelisation.
San Canio, San Canione
Calitri, Acerenza, Archdiocese of Acerenza
About Canius
Saint Canius
Saint Canius, also known as San Canio or San Canione in Italian, was a Roman Catholic bishop and martyr, venerated for his unwavering faith and miraculous intercessions. He is the patron saint of the cities of Calitri and Acerenza, as well as the Archdiocese of Acerenza. His life and martyrdom are primarily documented in the "Passio San Canionis," a text preserved in Acerenza Cathedral.
Life and Martyrdom
According to tradition, Canius was born in Iulia, near Carthage, in the first half of the 3rd century. He later became the bishop of Acerenza. During the Diocletianic Persecution, he steadfastly refused to worship idols or acknowledge the divinity of the Emperor when confronted by the prefect Pigrasius. This defiance led to his torture and imprisonment, intended to break his resolve through hunger and injury. Despite his suffering, he continued to proclaim the Gospel, converting those who came near him through his words and endurance.
When his resistance persisted, the prefect ordered his execution. However, a violent storm and earthquake occurred, scattering the soldiers and allowing Canius to escape with some followers by boat to Volturno. Later, while old and ill, he retired to a hermitage where he died. Bishop Elpidius of Atella, upon learning of Canius's death, established a shrine on the site where he passed away.
Miracles and Veneration
Numerous miracles are attributed to Saint Canius, particularly during his time preaching the Gospel at Atella. These include healing a man suffering a heart attack through his touch, restoring the sight of a blind woman named Eugenia, and curing a boy afflicted with demonic possession. His body was later translated from Atella to Acerenza Cathedral around 800 AD by Bishop Leone, where it rests today. In 1080, his body was reportedly rediscovered, and the cathedral and diocese were placed under his protection. His crozier, a symbol of his episcopal authority and evangelizing mission, is still preserved and venerated in the ambulatory of Acerenza Cathedral.
Saint Canius is also venerated in the parish of San Canione in Sant'Arpino, believed to be an ancient Christian oratory that may have initially housed his body before its translation to Acerenza. He is venerated on May 25th.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Saint Canius?
Saint Canius was a Roman Catholic bishop and martyr. He is the patron saint of Calitri, Acerenza, and its archdiocese. His life is primarily documented in the Passio San Canionis.
What is Saint Canius remembered for?
He is remembered for his refusal to worship idols and acknowledge the emperor's divinity during the Diocletianic Persecution, which led to his torture and imprisonment. He is also known for the miracles attributed to him and his eventual escape and ministry.
When did Saint Canius live?
Saint Canius was born in the first half of the 3rd century and likely died around 304 AD during the Diocletianic Persecution. He is venerated on May 25.
Where is Saint Canius venerated?
Saint Canius is venerated in Italy, particularly in the cities of Calitri and Acerenza, and their archdiocese. He is also venerated in Sant'Arpino, where a hermitage dedicated to him is believed to be an ancient Christian oratory.
What miracles are attributed to Saint Canius?
At Atella, several miracles were attributed to him, including healing a man during a heart attack, restoring sight to a blind woman named Eugenia, and curing a boy of demonic possession.
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