Zenobius of Florence

Saint Zenobius of Florence was born around 337 into a noble Florentine family and was first educated by pagan parents. Drawn to Christ through Bishop Theodore, he received baptism and, despite strong opposition, lovingly led his mother and father to the faith as well. Embracing the clerical life, Zenobius became archdeacon, renowned for his virtue and powerful preaching. His reputation reached Saint Ambrose, and at Ambrose’s urging Pope Damasus I summoned him to Rome and entrusted him with important missions, including a legation to Constantinople. After Damasus’s death, Zenobius returned to Florence. When the local bishop died, the people rejoiced to see Zenobius chosen as his successor, the first bishop of Florence. He evangelized the city and its surrounding countryside and steadfastly opposed Arianism. Many miracles were later attributed to him, including restoring the dead to life and, after his death, causing a winter-bare elm to bloom when his bier touched it. He is honored as patron of Scandicci. His feast day is May 25.