Saint Leo of Catania
Saint Leo of Catania (born c. 720 AD in Ravenna, Italy; died February 20, 785 AD in Catania, Sicily, Italy) was the Bishop of Catania in Sicily and one of the great wonder-workers of the Byzantine church in southern Italy. He is famous primarily for his confrontation with the magician Heliodorus, whom he subdued by wrapping his own episcopal stole around the man's neck and leading him through fire until Heliodorus's magic was destroyed. He is venerated in both the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches. His feast day is February 20.
Stored in Cargo: Saint Leo of Catania
| Saint Leo of Catania | |
|---|---|
| Feast Day | February 20 |
| Profession | Bishop; wonderworker |
| Rel. Affiliation | Catholic Church; Eastern Orthodox (also venerates him); Bishop of Catania; Byzantine church of Sicily; 8th century |
| Patronage | Catania; Sicily; bishops; those troubled by magic or sorcery; wonder-workers |
| Attributes | Episcopal vestments; stole (wrapping it around Heliodorus); fire (the walk through fire); Catania; Etna |
| Birthplace | Ravenna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy |
| Death Place | Catania, Sicily, Italy |
| Cause of Death | Natural death; died February 20, 785 AD in Catania after a long episcopate; known as "the Wonderworker" |
| Primary Shrine | Catania Cathedral, Catania, Sicily — venerated locally; Catania's primary ecclesiastical building; associated with his memory |
| Liturgical Class | Optional Memorial; February 20; feast in the Diocese of Catania and in the Eastern Orthodox tradition |
| Historic Class | Not in universal 1962 calendar; observed in Sicily and in Eastern churches |
Biography
Leo was born around 720 AD in Ravenna. He became Bishop of Catania in Sicily around 760 AD and served until his death in 785.
He served during a turbulent period: Sicily was still under Byzantine control but increasingly threatened by Arab forces (who would begin the conquest of Sicily in 827, after his death). He is recorded as a man of great generosity to the poor and as a bishop who exercised a powerful ministry of healing.
His most celebrated episode was his confrontation with the magician Heliodorus, who was causing disorder in Catania. According to the hagiographic tradition, Leo wrapped his episcopal stole around Heliodorus's neck, led him through fire to destroy his magical power, and converted him to repentance.
He died on February 20, 785 AD. He is venerated in both the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox traditions as a bishop and wonder-worker.
Significant locations
Legend
Birth location: Ravenna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy
Death location: Catania, Sicily, Italy
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Parishes
No parishes dedicated to Leo of Catania have been added to the database yet.
Media
| Media | Length | AuthorCreator |
|---|---|---|
| He Walked Into the Fire and Survived: Saint Leo of Catania | Under 5 minutes | Leyendas De Santos |
| He Walked Over Fire and Survived: Saint Leo of Catania | Under 5 minutes | Leyendas De Santos |
| Saint Leo of Catania: The Miracle Worker Who Defied Evil | Under 5 minutes | Leyendas De Santos |
| He Walked Into Fire and came out unharmed.| Leo of Catania #catholicshorts | Under 5 minutes | Saints Stories |
| He Walked Into Fire… and Survived | St Leo of Catania | February 20 #catholicshorts | Under 5 minutes | Saints Stories |
| The Life Of St Leo Of Catania – The Miracle Working Bishop Of Sicily #history#christiansaint#facts | Under 5 minutes | Saints Stories |
Shrines
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Feast day
February 20
Veneration
Saint Leo of Catania is venerated in the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox traditions as a bishop and wonder-worker. His feast is February 20.
Prayers
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Intercessory
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