Evasius

Saint Evasius, likely born in Benevento in southern Italy, lived in the early centuries of the Church and is remembered as a missionary bishop in the region of Asti in north-west Italy. Sent to shepherd a young Christian community, he preached Christ with courage amid fierce opposition. When persecution rose against him—whether from pagans or later Arian enemies—Evasius fled with companions and many new believers into the great Padan forest known as the Selva Cornea, near what is now Casale Monferrato. Tradition tells of a moment of consolation on the journey: weary, he planted his crozier in the earth to rest, and it took root and blossomed as a spring of water rose at its base, a sign of God’s life-giving grace. Yet Evasius’s witness would be sealed in blood. He and a great company of followers were captured and beheaded, dying as martyrs for the faith. Venerated especially at Casale, where his relics are kept in the cathedral dedicated to him, he is patron of Bizzarone, Casale Monferrato, Pedrengo, and Rocchetta Palafea. His feast is celebrated on November 12.