Donatus of Arezzo

Saint Donatus of Arezzo was born in Nicomedia and, according to ancient tradition, came to Rome as a child. Orphaned during times of persecution, he was formed in the faith under the priest Pymenius and grew in devotion alongside a boy named Julian, who would later be remembered as the emperor Julian the Apostate. Donatus served the Church as a lector and, when hostility toward Christians intensified, he fled to Arezzo. There he preached with the monk Hilarinus, living a life marked by penance, pastoral zeal, and wonders attributed to his prayers—healings, deliverance from evil, and the protection of the local people. Ordained deacon and priest, Donatus was later chosen as bishop of Arezzo. One beloved story tells how, after pagans shattered a glass chalice during Mass, his prayer restored it so that the Precious Blood was not spilled, leading many to conversion. Arrested with Hilarinus, Donatus was beheaded at Arezzo and is honored as the city’s patron, also venerated in places such as Acerno and Biccari. His feast day is August 7.