Geminianus

Saint Geminianus, likely born in northern Italy to a family of Roman senatorial rank, lived in the fourth century and first served the Church as a deacon before becoming Bishop of Modena. He is historically attested in 390, when he took part in a council in Milan convened by Saint Ambrose, a sign of his standing among the shepherds of his day. Later tradition remembers him as a steadfast defender of orthodox faith, opposing Arianism and other errors that threatened the Church’s unity. He is also celebrated for generous hospitality: accounts tell of his kindness to great exiled witnesses such as Saint Athanasius and, later, Saint John Chrysostom. Geminianus died around January 31, 397, and devotion to him has never faded in Modena, where a church rose early over his tomb and the city itself was long called Civitas Geminiana. The faithful also honor his intercession in times of danger, especially the deliverance of Modena from invaders. He is patron of Guiglia, Modena, Pontremoli, San Gimignano, Savoniero, Torrano, and Vielmur-sur-Agout. His feast day is January 31.