Friday of the Third Week of Lent

Saint Ansovinus was born in Italy, though the place and year of his birth are not known. He was educated at the cathedral school of Pavia, where his mind and heart were formed for the service of God. After being ordained a priest, he embraced a life of solitude as a hermit at Castel Raimondo near Torcello, seeking holiness in prayer and simplicity. His wisdom and integrity later drew him into public service as confessor to Louis II, Holy Roman Emperor. When chosen to be bishop of Camerino, Ansovinus accepted only on the condition that his people be spared forced conscription into the imperial army, showing a shepherd’s courage in defending his flock. Consecrated in Rome by Pope Leo IV, he became known for reconciling civic factions and for generous care of the poor. Tradition remembers him for a miracle of multiplied grain, feeding thousands during famine without the store ever failing. Venerated especially by small farmers and as patron of Casenove, Saint Ansovinus is celebrated on March 13.

Saint Euphrasius of Illiturgis is remembered as a 1st-century missionary of the Apostolic Age, traditionally associated with Illiturgis, between present-day Bailén and Andújar in Spain. Though the details of his birth are not known, Christian tradition honors him as one of the Seven Apostolic Men, ordained in Rome by Saints Peter and Paul and sent to evangelize Spain. As bishop of the local community, Euphrasius preached the Gospel with apostolic zeal and is said to have sealed his witness with martyrdom at Illiturgis. Devotion to him endured through the centuries: in the 7th century a church was built over his tomb, and during the Moorish invasion his relics were carried for safekeeping to Galicia, where he is venerated at Santa María do Mao near Samos. He is especially honored as patron of Jaén, and is also linked by later tradition to Corsica and Ajaccio. His feast day is celebrated on March 13.