Septimius of Iesi
Saint Septimius of Iesi was the first bishop of Iesi and a martyr in the early 4th century. He transitioned from a military career to ministry after converting to Christianity, eventually being ordained bishop by Pope Marcellus I. He is chiefly remembered for establishing Iesi Cathedral and for his martyrdom, ordered by a local magistrate after he refused to sacrifice to pagan gods.
- Feast Day
- September 22
- Century
- 4th century
- Country Or Region
- Italy
Key Facts
- ›Septimius was born in what is now Germany and had a military career before converting to Christianity.
- ›He served as a minister in Milan but was forced out during the Diocletianic Persecution in 303.
- ›Pope Marcellus I ordained him as Bishop of Iesi after being impressed by his miracles in Rome.
- ›He established Iesi Cathedral, which led to his opposition from a local magistrate named Florentius.
- ›Septimius was beheaded on the orders of Florentius for refusing to make a sacrifice to pagan gods.
- ›His body was exhumed in 1469, and his cult dates from much earlier.
Settimio di Jesi
Iesi
About Septimius of Iesi
Saint Septimius of Iesi
Saint Septimius of Iesi, also known as Settimio di Jesi, was the first Bishop of Iesi and a martyr. His life and death in the early 4th century mark him as a significant figure in the early Christian history of Italy.
Life and Ministry
Born in what is now Germany, Septimius received an education in the liberal arts and initially pursued a military career. His life took a spiritual turn when he converted to Christianity. This conversion led him to part ways with his non-Christian family and travel to Italy. He began his ministry in Milan, where he served as a minister. However, his religious activities were interrupted during the Diocletianic Persecution in 303, forcing him to leave Milan.
Septimius eventually made his way to Rome. There, he gained recognition for performing miracles, which deeply impressed Pope Marcellus I. Moved by these signs and Septimius's devotion, Pope Marcellus I ordained him as the Bishop of Iesi.
Establishment of Iesi Cathedral and Martyrdom
As Bishop of Iesi, Septimius undertook the establishment of Iesi Cathedral. His efforts faced opposition from a local magistrate named Florentius. The conflict escalated when Septimius refused to make sacrifices to pagan gods, an act of defiance against Florentius's demands. In response to this refusal and possibly the dedication of the cathedral, Florentius ordered Septimius to be decapitated, leading to his martyrdom.
Veneration and Legacy
The cult of Saint Septimius dates from much earlier than the exhumation of his body in 1469. His relics were later re-interred, and a new altar was consecrated to him at the Iesi Cathedral in 1623. Septimius is honored as the patron saint of Iesi. His feast day was originally observed on September 5th but was later changed to September 22nd in 1623.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Septimius of Iesi?
Septimius of Iesi was the first Bishop of Iesi, venerated as a martyr and a saint. He lived in the early 4th century.
What was Septimius of Iesi known for?
He is known for establishing Iesi Cathedral and for his martyrdom. He was beheaded after refusing to sacrifice to pagan gods for the dedication of the cathedral.
When was Septimius of Iesi's feast day?
His feast day was originally on September 5th, but it was changed to September 22nd in 1623.
Where was Septimius of Iesi from?
Septimius was born in what is now Germany. He later ministered in Milan and Rome before becoming Bishop of Iesi.
When did Septimius of Iesi die?
He died in 307 AD, during a period of Christian persecution.
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