Emygdius

Saint Emygdius was born around 279 in Trier, then a pagan who came to know Jesus Christ and embraced the faith with courage. Journeying to Rome, he stayed on Tiber Island and, by God’s power, healed the paralyzed daughter of his host Gratianus, leading the whole household to baptism. He also restored sight to a blind man and drew many to Christ. When crowds mistook him for a son of Apollo and brought him to the temple of Asclepius, Emygdius openly confessed himself a Christian, destroyed the idols, and continued to proclaim the Gospel despite growing hostility. Ordained bishop by the Pope, he was sent to Ascoli Piceno. Along the way he converted many and, striking a cliff, caused water to spring forth. In Ascoli he refused to worship pagan gods and instead baptized Polisia, the governor’s daughter, and many others in the waters of the Tronto. During the persecution under Diocletian, Emygdius was beheaded around 309, sealing his witness with martyrdom. He is honored as patron of Ascoli Piceno and invoked especially for protection against earthquakes. His feast day is August 5.