The Baptism of the Lord

Saint Leucius of Brindisi is believed to have been born in Eastern Europe to Eudecius and Euphrodisia, receiving the name Eupressius. Educated in Alexandria, Egypt, he entered monastic life after his mother’s death. Tradition says that during the Feast of the Assumption he received a heavenly vision and took the name Leucius, embracing with new fervor his call to proclaim Christ. Already ordained a bishop, he set out as a missionary to Brindisi, then a great Mediterranean port, to correct pagan misunderstandings about the faith. During a severe drought in Apulia, Leucius preached trust in the Gospel and promised that, if the people believed, God would send rain. When the rains came, many were converted, and in 165 he became the first Bishop of Brindisi. He shepherded the growing Church and built churches dedicated to Saint Mary and Saint John the Baptist. He is believed to have suffered martyrdom around 180, and his relics were long honored throughout southern Italy. He is patron of Atessa, Pietracamela, Rocca di Mezzo, San Leucio del Sannio, San Salvatore Telesino, and Villavallelonga. His feast day is January 11.