Juvenal of Narni

Saint Juvenal of Narni was born in Africa, according to ancient tradition, and later came to Italy to serve the growing Church. Little is known with certainty about his early years, but he is venerated as the first bishop of Narni in Umbria, a shepherd remembered for his steadfast faith and pastoral care. Some accounts say he was ordained by Pope Damasus I, and the Church’s early martyrologies honor him as a bishop and confessor, one who bore witness to Christ through holiness and perseverance. Saint Gregory the Great also speaks of a Bishop Juvenal of Narni and calls him a martyr, a title sometimes given in reverence to bishops whose lives were marked by courageous witness. Local devotion surrounds his tomb at Narni, and legend credits his prayers with saving the city from invading forces through a sudden, God-sent storm. He is honored as patron of Chia, Fossano, Narni, and Roccasalli. His feast day is celebrated on May 3.