Juvenal of Narni
Saint Juvenal is venerated as the first Bishop of Narni in Umbria. While historical details are limited, he is described in various martyrologies as a bishop and confessor, although Saint Gregory the Great refers to him as a martyr. His feast day is celebrated on May 3, and he is remembered for his role in Narni and his association with a sepulcher there.
- Feast Day
- May 3
- Century
- 4th century
- Country Or Region
- Italy
Key Facts
- ›Juvenal is venerated as the first Bishop of Narni in Umbria.
- ›Historical details about his life are limited and primarily come from a post-seventh-century biography.
- ›He is described as a bishop and confessor in the martyrologies of Florus of Lyon and Ado.
- ›Saint Gregory the Great refers to him as a martyr, though the title of martyr was sometimes given to bishops who did not die for their faith.
- ›His feast day is celebrated on may 3rd, as indicated in the Gelasian Sacramentary and the Roman Martyrology.
- ›His relics were taken to Lucca in 878 but returned to Narni two years later.
San Giovenale di Narni
Narni
About Juvenal of Narni
Saint Juvenal of Narni
Saint Juvenal, also known as San Giovenale di Narni, is venerated as the first Bishop of Narni in Umbria. While historical documentation regarding his life is scarce, he remains a significant figure in the early history of the Church in that region.
Life and Historical Context
Historical details about Juvenal's life are limited and primarily drawn from a biography written after the seventh century, which is considered to have little historical value. This account suggests he was born in Africa and was ordained by Pope Damasus I. He is identified as the first bishop of Narni and was reportedly buried in the Porta Superiore on the Via Flaminia. His feast day is celebrated on May 3, although his burial is noted as August 7.
Sources such as the martyrologies of Florus of Lyon and Ado describe Juvenal as a bishop and confessor, distinguishing him from a martyr. However, Saint Gregory the Great, in his "Dialogues" and "Homiliae in Evangelium," refers to a bishop of Narni named Juvenal and describes him as a martyr. It is noted that the title of martyr was sometimes bestowed upon bishops who did not necessarily die for their faith. Gregory also mentions a sepulcher associated with Juvenal in Narni.
Veneration
The Gelasian Sacramentary includes a prayer in honor of Saint Juvenal under the date of May 3. The Codex Bernense of the Martyrologium Hieronymianum records his name on the same day, alongside three martyrs of the Via Nomentana: Eventius, Alexander I, and Theodulus. In the Tridentine calendar, Juvenal appeared not as a martyr but as a bishop and confessor, with a commemoration shared with these three martyrs within the feast of the Finding of the Cross on May 3. This joint commemoration continued even after the abolition of the feast of the Finding of the Cross in 1960, with the four saints being jointly commemorated within the weekday celebration. While May 3 continues to be Saint Juvenal's feast day as indicated in the Roman Martyrology, he has not been included in the General Roman Calendar since 1969.
Legends and Legacy
Legend attributes Saint Juvenal with saving Narni from Ligurian and Sarmatian invaders by invoking a divine thunderstorm. The construction of his sepulcher in Narni is credited to his alleged successor, St. Maximus (d. 416 AD). A monastery founded by Belisarius near Orte was dedicated to Juvenal, according to the author of the Life of Pope Vigilius. In 878, Juvenal's relics were transported to the Basilica di San Frediano in Lucca along with those of Saints Cassius and Fausta by Adalbert, Margrave of Tuscany. However, all the relics were returned to Narni two years later. Fossano also claims Juvenal as a patron and asserts possession of some of his relics, though these might belong to another saint of the same name.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Saint Juvenal of Narni?
Saint Juvenal is venerated as the first Bishop of Narni in Umbria. Historical accounts of his life are limited.
Is Saint Juvenal considered a martyr?
While Saint Gregory the Great refers to him as a martyr, other martyrologies describe him as a bishop and confessor. The title of martyr was sometimes given to bishops who did not necessarily die for their faith.
When is Saint Juvenal's feast day celebrated?
Saint Juvenal's feast day is celebrated on May 3rd. This date is indicated in the Gelasian Sacramentary and the Roman Martyrology.
What is known about Juvenal's life?
Historical details are scarce. A biography written after the seventh century suggests he was born in Africa, ordained by Pope Damasus I, and was the first bishop of Narni.
Where are Saint Juvenal's relics kept?
In 878, Juvenal's relics were taken to Lucca but were returned to Narni two years later. His relics are said to have been hidden.
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