Castritian
Castritian was a bishop of Milan in the mid 3rd-century, honored as a saint in the Catholic Church. Little is definitively known about his life and episcopate, with much of his biography derived from legendary traditions.
- Feast Day
- December 1
- Century
- 3rd century
- Country Or Region
- Italy
Key Facts
- ›Castritian served as bishop of Milan in the MID 3rd-century.
- ›He is venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church.
- ›His feast day is observed on December 1.
- ›His corpse was allegedly buried in a cemetery near Porta Romana.
- ›Legendary traditions suggest a 41-year episcopate and a death in 138.
- ›Modern scholars consider the early existence of a house church likely based on 4th-century documents.
Castritianus, Castriziano
About Castritian
Castritian, known in Latin as Castritianus and in Italian as Castriziano, served as the Bishop of Milan during the mid-3rd century. He is recognized and honored as a Saint within the Catholic Church, with his liturgical feast day celebrated annually on December 1.
What is known
Almost nothing is definitively known about the life and episcopate of Castritian. Historical records confirm his tenure as bishop of Milan in the mid-3rd century. His corpse was reputedly buried in a cemetery located in the area of Porta Romana, not far from the present Basilica of Saint Calimerius. Later, his relics were transferred to the church of San Giovanni in Conca, a structure that was demolished between the 19th and 20th centuries.
Legendary traditions
Later texts from the Middle Ages, such as the 11th-century Historia Dataria, attribute biographic details to Castritian that are considered legendary rather than factual. These traditions include the assertion that his episcopate lasted for 41 years, beginning shortly after Emperor Domitian in 97 AD, which would place his death in 138 AD. Also part of these legendary accounts is his consecration as a church of a house donated by an individual named Philips. However, modern scholars, citing 4th-century documents, find it plausible that a house church with a garden existed early on in an area between Porta Ticinese and Porta Magenta.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Castritian?
Castritian was a bishop of Milan in the mid 3rd-century. He is honored as a saint in the Catholic Church.
When is Castritian's feast day?
Castritian's feast day is celebrated on December 1.
What is known about Castritian's life?
Very little is definitively known about Castritian's life and episcopate. His corpse was reportedly buried near Porta Romana, and his relics were later moved to San Giovanni in Conca.
What are some legendary traditions about Castritian?
Legendary traditions, found in texts like the 11th-century Historia Dataria, suggest he had an episcopate of 41 years and died in 138. These details are not considered historical fact.
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