Saint Fructuosus of Tarragona
Saint Fructuosus of Tarragona (born c. 250 AD in Tarragona, Hispania; died January 21, 259 AD in Tarragona, Hispania) was the Bishop of Tarragona and a martyr of the Valerian persecution. He was burned alive in the amphitheater of Tarragona together with his two deacons, Saints Augurius and Eulogius. He is one of the most celebrated early Spanish martyrs. His feast day is January 21.
Stored in Cargo: Saint Fructuosus of Tarragona
| Saint Fructuosus of Tarragona | |
|---|---|
| Feast Day | January 21 |
| Profession | Bishop; martyr |
| Rel. Affiliation | Catholic Church; first Bishop of Tarragona |
| Patronage | Tarragona; Catalonia; Spain; bishops; martyrs |
| Attributes | Bishop's vestments; flames; palm of martyrdom; two deacons beside him |
| Birthplace | Tarragona, Hispania (modern Spain) |
| Death Place | Tarragona, Hispania (modern Spain) |
| Cause of Death | Martyrdom; burned alive in the amphitheater of Tarragona under Emperor Valerian with deacons Augurius and Eulogius |
| Primary Shrine | Cathedral of Tarragona (Catedral de Santa Tecla), Tarragona — his relics are here; patron of the cathedral and city |
| Liturgical Class | Optional Memorial (Roman Calendar, January 21) |
| Historic Class | Feast |
Biography
Fructuosus was Bishop of Tarragona (Tarraco) — the provincial capital of Hispania Citerior (Nearer Spain) and one of the most important Roman cities of the peninsula. He was arrested in January 259 AD, during the Valerian persecution, together with his two deacons, Augurius and Eulogius. The Acts of their martyrdom (Acta Fructuosi) are among the oldest and most historically reliable martyrdom accounts from Roman Spain.
The Acts record the interrogation before the governor Aemilianus with striking fidelity. When Fructuosus was commanded to worship the imperial gods, he replied: I worship God Almighty. When the governor said that the gods must be worshiped, Fructuosus replied: I know of only one God. He was condemned to be burned alive.
As he was led to the amphitheater, the congregation followed weeping. He told them: Brothers, do not weep — I have not forsaken you, nor will I. I have prayed for the whole Catholic Church throughout the East and West. He refused a cup of mulled wine offered in compassion. In the amphitheater, he prayed calmly with arms extended in the form of a cross. He and his two deacons died in the flames on January 21, 259.
Saint Augustine of Hippo preached at least two sermons on Fructuosus's feast, praising his calm demeanor and episcopal dedication. Saint Paulinus of Nola also venerated him. A basilica was built in the Tarragona amphitheater over his tomb — visible today amid the Roman ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
His feast is January 21.
Significant locations
Legend
Birth location: Tarragona, Hispania (modern Spain)
Death location: Tarragona, Hispania (modern Spain)
Notable location: His episcopal see and the site of his martyrdom; the Roman amphitheater of Tarragona (now a UNESCO World Heritage site) was the place of burning; a basilica was built in the amphitheater over his tomb; patron of Tarragona (Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain)
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Parishes
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Shrines
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Known shrines
- Cathedral of Santa Tecla, Tarragona — his relics; patron of the cathedral.
- Roman Amphitheater of Tarragona — site of his martyrdom; ruins of the early Christian basilica built over his tomb; UNESCO World Heritage.
Feast day
January 21
Veneration
Saint Fructuosus of Tarragona is venerated in the Roman Catholic Church with an Optional Memorial on January 21.
Prayers
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