Bassianus of Lodi

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Bassianus
Roman Catholic Church Eastern Orthodox Church
FeastJanuary 19
Attributesdeer; episcopal attire
PatronageLodi

Bassianus of Lodi (

Latin: Bassianus Laudensis; c. 320 – 413) was an Italian saint, the patron saint of Lodi and Pizzighettone
in Italy.

Biography

Born in Syracuse, Sicily, to Sergius, prefect of the city, Bassianus was sent to Rome in order to complete his studies.[2] There, he was converted to Christianity by a priest named Giordano much against his parents' will.[3]

Bassianus's father, who wanted his son to

apostatize, asked him to return to Syracuse. Bassianus refused and fled to a relative, Urso, Bishop of Ravenna. There Bassianus took up the life of a hermit near Sant'Apollinare in Classe.[3]

When the

Council of Milan (390), in which Jovinian
was condemned.

Bassianus's signature is found together with Ambrose's in a letter sent to Pope Siricius. In 397, Bassianus was present at the death of his friend Ambrose.[4] Bassianus died around 413.[1] He was known as a caring shepherd and was believed to have the gift of healing the sick.

Veneration

In 1158, when

relics were taken to Milan. They were returned in 1163, when Lodi was rebuilt by Frederick Barbarossa, and enshrined in the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Lodi.[5]

Bassianus is the patron saint of Lodi and is invoked against leprosy.[6] His feast day is January 19, the occasion of the St. Bassianus’ Fair in Lodi.[5]

References