Constantius of Perugia
Constantius of Perugia was a patron saint of Perugia, Italy, traditionally venerated as its first bishop. According to legend, he was a martyr who endured torture and execution during Roman persecutions, and his cult spread beyond Umbria.
- Feast Day
- January 29
- Century
- 2nd century
- Country Or Region
- Italy
Key Facts
- ›Constantius of Perugia is a patron saint of Perugia, Italy.
- ›According to legend, he was arrested during the persecutions of Antoninus or Marcus Aurelius.
- ›He was tortured, jailed, and eventually beheaded near Foligno.
- ›Local tradition holds him as the first bishop of Perugia, active in evangelism and caring for the poor.
- ›His cult was diffused beyond Umbria and he is listed in the Martyrologium Hieronymianum.
- ›His relics were translated in 1825 to the church of San Costanzo in Perugia.
Costantius, Constance, Costanzo
Perugia
About Constantius of Perugia
Constantius of Perugia, also known by variations such as Costantius, Constance, or Costanzo, is a significant figure in the hagiography of Perugia, Italy, where he is recognized as a patron saint. His death is traditionally placed around 170 AD, during a period of Roman persecution of Christians.
Legend and Martyrdom
The legend of Constantius exists in four versions, which are largely consistent regarding the location of his martyrdom: Foligno. According to these accounts, he was arrested during the persecutions under Emperor Antoninus (or, in some sources, Marcus Aurelius). He was subjected to whipping and then forced into a stove along with his companions, from which all miraculously escaped unharmed. Subsequently, he was imprisoned and then set free by his guards, whom he had converted to Christianity. He found refuge in the home of a Christian named Anastasius. However, both Constantius and Anastasius were arrested again. After enduring torture in prisons at Assisi and Spello, they were beheaded near Foligno.
Role in Perugia
Local tradition venerates Constantius as the first bishop of Perugia, stating that he assumed this role at the age of 30. His ministry in this capacity was characterized by active evangelism and dedicated care for the poor. His cult extended beyond the region of Umbria.
Veneration and Relics
Constantius of Perugia is commemorated on January 29, as noted in the Martyrologium Hieronymianum. While his martyrdom is consistently placed in Foligno, his body was reportedly carried to Perugia and interred near the site of the current cathedral. In 1825, his relics were moved with considerable ceremony to a new altar within the present-day church of San Costanzo.
Artistic Representation and Tradition
In artistic depictions, Constantius is commonly portrayed as a bishop, complete with a mitre, robe, and crozier. He is often depicted alongside another important patron saint of Perugia, Sant'Ercolano (Herculanus of Perugia). A culinary tradition associated with his feast day in Perugia involves the consumption of "torcolo," a ring-shaped cake made with pine nuts, raisins, and dried fruit.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Constantius of Perugia?
Constantius of Perugia, also known as Costantius, Constance, or Costanzo, is a patron saint of Perugia, Italy. Local tradition identifies him as the first bishop of the city.
What is Constantius of Perugia known for?
He is primarily remembered for his legend as a martyr who endured persecutions and torture, eventually being beheaded near Foligno. He is also noted for his evangelism and care for the poor.
When is the feast day of Constantius of Perugia?
His feast day is celebrated on January 29. He is listed in the Martyrologium Hieronymianum under this date.
Where is Constantius of Perugia venerated?
Constantius of Perugia is venerated as a patron saint of Perugia, Italy. His cult was diffused beyond the region of Umbria.
What happened to Constantius of Perugia according to legend?
According to his legend, he was arrested during Roman persecutions, whipped, and forced into a stove with companions, from which they all escaped unharmed. He was later tortured and beheaded near Foligno.
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