Gerontius of Cervia

Born in Italy, Gerontius became the first known Bishop of Cervia, serving the young Church with the steady care of a shepherd. In the year 501, he set out from Rome after a council convened to address grave accusations raised against Pope Symmachus. Returning north along the Via Flaminia, Gerontius traveled with Viticanus, Bishop of Cagli, bearing the burdens of ecclesial responsibility and the hope of peace for the faithful. Near Cagli, close to Ancona, their journey was violently interrupted. Gerontius was assaulted by bandits and killed, a death later remembered in local tradition as an attack by “heretics.” Because he died in the course of his service to the Church, he came to be honored as a martyr, a witness sealed in blood to his fidelity. Gerontius is especially venerated in Cagli, where his remains are honored, and he is regarded as a patron of that city. His feast day is celebrated on May 9.