Saint Cerbonius
Saint Cerbonius (died c. 575 AD in Populonia, Tuscany, Italy) was Bishop of Populonia in Tuscany and is associated with miraculous protection from the Lombard invasions. He is celebrated in the traditions of the Maremma region of Tuscany and his story is preserved by Pope Gregory the Great in his Dialogues. He is the patron of Massa Marittima. His feast day is October 10.
Stored in Cargo: Saint Cerbonius
| Saint Cerbonius | |
|---|---|
| Feast Day | October 10 |
| Profession | Bishop of Populonia; confessor |
| Rel. Affiliation | Diocese of Populonia (now Diocese of Massa Marittima-Piombino) |
| Patronage | Massa Marittima; Populonia; bears (from the miracle legend) |
| Attributes | Bishop's vestments; bear (the miracle of the she-bear); island of Elba |
| Birthplace | Africa (traditional; possibly came as a refugee) |
| Death Place | Elba Island, Livorno Province, Tuscany, Italy |
| Cause of Death | Natural causes; exile |
| Primary Shrine | Cathedral of Massa Marittima, Grosseto, Italy |
| Liturgical Class | Not included (universal calendar) |
| Historic Class | Not included |
Biography
Cerbonius came from North Africa as a refugee, possibly fleeing the Vandal devastation, and became Bishop of Populonia on the Tyrrhenian coast of Tuscany. He is mentioned by Pope Gregory the Great in his Dialogues (Book III, Chapter 11) as a holy and courageous bishop. Gregory records the bear miracle: when Cerbonius was accused before the Ostrogothic King Totila of harboring escaped Roman soldiers, a she-bear came and stood around him with her cubs as he prayed; Totila recognized this as divine protection and released him.
During the Lombard invasion of Italy (568 AD onwards), Cerbonius was forced to flee Populonia. He took refuge on the island of Elba, where he died around 575 AD. His relics were eventually translated to the cathedral of Massa Marittima, of which he is the principal patron. Dante Alighieri mentions him in the Purgatorio (Canto XI). His feast is October 10.
Significant locations
Legend
Birth location: Africa (traditional; possibly came as a refugee)
Death location: Elba Island, Livorno Province, Tuscany, Italy
Notable location: His episcopal see as Bishop of Populonia; ancient Etruscan and Roman city (Populonia, Livorno Province, Tuscany, Italy)
Notable location: City of which he is patron; his relics were eventually translated here (Massa Marittima, Grosseto Province, Tuscany, Italy)
Notable location: Where he died in exile during the Lombard invasion (Elba Island, Tuscany, Italy)
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Parishes
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Shrines
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Known shrines
- Cathedral of Massa Marittima, Grosseto, Tuscany — the Romanesque cathedral dedicated to him; his relics preserved here.
Feast day
October 10
Veneration
Saint Cerbonius is venerated in the Roman Catholic Church with a feast day on October 10. He is the patron of Massa Marittima.
Prayers
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