Pontius of Cimiez
You can help expand this article with text translated from the corresponding article in Polish. (December 2021) Click [show] for important translation instructions.
|
beekeepers, Catalonia |
---|
Pontius of Cimiez, also known as Pons of Cimiez (French: Pons de Cimiez, Ponce de Cimiez) was a Christian saint and martyr in third century Gaul.
His feast day is 14 May.
Life
Born at Rome into a pagan family, Pontius converted to Christianity, giving away his property and preaching the Gospel. He is believed to have evangelized the valley of the Ubaye River.[1]
He was martyred at Cemenelum (modern-day
His name is preserved in the communes of
Devotion to Catalonia
A local tradition explains that Pontius came to Barcelona and, seeing so much poverty and disease among the people, began to prepare potions with healing herbs. He earned the respect and admiration of the locals, who began to hold a fair of herbs in his honor. San Ponce thus became patron of herbalists and beekeepers. In Catalonia, his feast day occurs on May 11, when revelers sell honey, aromatic and medicinal herbs and candied fruits.
Sources
- ISBN 2-908103-18-4
- ^ Nominis: Saint Ponce (in French)