Elpidius of Atella

Saint Elpidius of Atella was born in 388 into a noble family in Campania. From an early age he was formed in faith alongside his brother Canius and his nephew, also named Elpidius, both priests. Around the year 420, when he was about thirty, Elpidius was consecrated a bishop, taking up the shepherd’s staff in a troubled time for the Church. During the Vandal persecutions under King Gaiseric, he was among twelve bishops condemned to death and set adrift on a ship without oars or sails; the vessel was wrecked near the coast of Castel Volturno, and Elpidius survived to continue his ministry. In 432 he became bishop of Atella, serving his people with steadfast charity and reverence for the martyrs. After the death of Bishop Canius, he built a small храм to honor and guard his remains, a sign of his devotion and hope in the resurrection. Elpidius died on May 24, 452. His relics were later translated to Salerno, where they rest in the cathedral crypt. He is venerated as a patron of Casapulla and Sant’Arpino. His feast day is September 1.