Gaudentius of Rimini

Saint Gaudentius of Rimini was born around 280 in Ephesus in Asia Minor, into a well-off Christian family. After suffering persecution and the loss of his parents, he made his way to Rome, where he was baptized, ordained a priest, and consecrated a bishop. Sent to Ariminum, today’s Rimini, he became a foundational shepherd of the young Church there, gathering believers into an early Christian community and strengthening the faith through preaching and pastoral care. Tradition remembers him as a mentor who ordained Saint Marinus as a deacon, linking his ministry to the Christian roots of San Marino, and it also attributes to him signs of God’s power, including deliverance from evil and help for travelers. In the turmoil surrounding the Arian controversy, Gaudentius stood firm for the true divinity of Christ. After the Council of Rimini, he was arrested and, on 14 October 360, was stoned to death, sealing his witness with martyrdom. He is honored as patron of Rimini and also of Miramare, Montefabbri, Ostra, and Rivazzurra. His feast day is October 14.