Saint Fortunatus of Spoleto
Saint Fortunatus of Spoleto (died c. 568 AD in Spoleto, Umbria, Italy) was a Christian hermit who lived in the hills above Spoleto in Umbria and was renowned for healing the sick, particularly those possessed by evil spirits. He attracted the attention and friendship of Pope Vigilius. He is patron of Spoleto. His feast day is October 14.
Stored in Cargo: Saint Fortunatus of Spoleto
| Saint Fortunatus of Spoleto | |
|---|---|
| Feast Day | October 14 |
| Profession | Hermit; healer; exorcist |
| Rel. Affiliation | Catholic Church; Italian hermit tradition |
| Patronage | Spoleto; Umbria; the possessed; those with mental illness; the sick |
| Attributes | Hermit's habit; expelled demon; sick person healed; cross |
| Birthplace | Unknown; active in Spoleto area |
| Death Place | Spoleto, Umbria, Italy |
| Cause of Death | Natural causes; died as a hermit near Spoleto |
| Primary Shrine | Cathedral and church of Spoleto — patron honored in the city; his hermitage site in the Spoleto hills |
| Liturgical Class | Not in universal Roman Calendar; feast October 14; observed in Diocese of Spoleto-Norcia |
| Historic Class | Not included |
Biography
Fortunatus lived as a hermit in the hills above Spoleto in Umbria, probably from the early to mid 6th century. He attracted visitors seeking healing, particularly those suffering from demonic possession or serious illness. He gained a reputation throughout central Italy as a man of great holiness and power.
Saint Gregory the Great includes an account of Fortunatus in his Dialogues (Book III, Chapter 8), recording his gifts of exorcism and healing. Gregory was writing around 593–594 AD and drawing on living memory and witnesses — his account gives Fortunatus a vivid historical profile.
Pope Vigilius (reigned 537–555), during one of the most tumultuous pontificates of the 6th century, visited Fortunatus personally at his hermitage — a striking act of humility from the Bishop of Rome toward a simple Italian hermit. The pope sought both healing prayer for members of his household and spiritual counsel.
Fortunatus died around 568 AD. His feast is October 14.
Significant locations
Legend
Birth location: Unknown; active in Spoleto area
Death location: Spoleto, Umbria, Italy
Notable location: The city he served as a healer and holy man; patron saint of Spoleto; the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta at Spoleto honors him; he lived in the hills above the city (Spoleto, Umbria, Italy)
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Feast day
October 14
Veneration
Saint Fortunatus of Spoleto is venerated in the Diocese of Spoleto-Norcia with a feast day on October 14.
Prayers
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