Constantius

Saint Constantius, traditionally believed to have been born in Egypt, is venerated as a courageous survivor of the legendary Theban Legion. After the decimation of his fellow Christian soldiers, he is said to have fled with other survivors into the Val Maira in what is now the province of Cuneo, Italy. There they devoted themselves to preaching the Gospel, but one by one his companions were seized and killed by Roman authorities. Constantius remained to bury them, honoring their witness with a shepherd’s care and a martyr’s fidelity. Local tradition also tells of a miracle at the strange stone columns known as the Ciciu del Villar: soldiers sent to capture him were miraculously turned to stone before they could harm him. In the end, Constantius himself was beheaded on Monte San Bernardo, and a sanctuary arose there in his honor, drawing generations of pilgrims to seek grace through his intercession. He is especially honored as patron of Villar San Costanzo, and is also revered in the Coptic Church. His feast day is September 18.