Abundius of Como

Saint Abundius was born in Thessalonica in the early fifth century and later came to Northern Italy, where God would entrust him with the care of His people in Como. Around 448 he became the fourth Bishop of Como, succeeding Saint Amantius, and quickly proved himself a steadfast shepherd and defender of the true faith. He was present at the Council of Constantinople in 448 and, in 451, played an active role at the Council of Chalcedon as the representative of Pope Leo the Great, courageously opposing the Eutychian heresy and upholding the Church’s teaching on Christ. In 452 he again labored for unity and truth at the Council of Milan, convened to refute the same error. Tradition also associates Abundius with the authorship of the Te Deum, the Church’s great hymn of praise. He died in 469, and his relics rest in Como beneath the altar of the church dedicated to him, Sant’Abbondio. Saint Abundius is honored as patron of Como, Cunardo, and Mezzegra. His feast day is April 2.