Fortunatus of Todi

Saint Fortunatus of Todi, born in Poitiers in Gaul, came to Italy as a humble hermit seeking a life of prayer and solitude. His holiness soon became known, and many were drawn to him for his miracles and his gift for driving out evil spirits. After the martyrdom of Bishop Callistus at the hands of the Goths, the clergy and people of Todi pleaded with Fortunatus to shepherd them; in 528 he accepted the burden of the episcopacy, serving from the city’s early cathedral at Sant’Ilario. In a time of turmoil, Fortunatus became a steadfast protector of his flock. Tradition remembers him defending Todi during an Ostrogothic siege, sparing the city from being sacked. He preached Christ with courage, converted many, and tore down a pagan temple to Pan, using its stones to build and consecrate a church. His relics are preserved in the church of San Fortunato in Todi, where generations have sought his intercession. He is venerated as the patron saint of Todi and Peglio. His feast day is October 14.