Friday After Ash Wednesday

Saint Leo of Catania, called the Thaumaturgus or “Wonderworker,” was born in Ravenna in the early eighth century, when the city belonged to the Byzantine Empire. Drawn to God from a young age, he became a Benedictine monk and later moved to Reggio Calabria, where Bishop Cyril appointed him archdeacon. In 765 Leo was chosen to shepherd the Church of Catania as its fifteenth bishop, a calling he accepted with humility. Leo became renowned for steadfast faith, generous care for the poor, and courageous preaching against pagan practices and sorcery that still troubled Sicily. During the turmoil of Byzantine iconoclasm, he boldly defended sacred images; his resistance brought persecution and exile, and he spent years wandering the Nebrodi mountains, finding refuge among the faithful near Longi, Sinagra, and Rometta. When danger eased, he returned to Catania to reclaim his see and strengthen his people against error. Venerated by both Catholics and Orthodox, he is patron of Longi, Ordona, Rometta, Saracena, and Sinagra. His feast day is February 20.