Ceccardus of Luni

Saint Ceccardus of Luni, likely of Byzantine family origin, lived in Liguria, Italy, and served the Church as a cleric before becoming bishop of Luni. In the early ninth century he is remembered for preserving a brief record of a predecessor’s episcopate, signing his name as Sicheradus Silitraldi, a glimpse of the learned and careful shepherd he would become. His ministry unfolded in a troubled age, and around the year 860 Luni was struck by a violent Viking raid led by Hastein, joined by Björn Ironside. In the chaos of that sack of the city, Ceccardus gave his life as a bishop and was honored by the faithful as a martyr, a witness who did not abandon his flock in the hour of danger. Devotion to him grew over the centuries, with a church raised in his honor and many graces attributed to his intercession. His relics are venerated in the Cathedral of Carrara, where he is beloved as patron. Saint Ceccardus is celebrated on June 16.