Magnus of Oderzo

Saint Magnus of Oderzo was born in northern Italy, and in the seventh century he served the Church as Bishop of Oderzo. When the Lombard invasion brought fear and upheaval to the region, Magnus sought refuge in the lagoon communities of Venice around the year 638. There, amid uncertainty and displacement, he became a steadfast builder of Christian life, helping to lay spiritual foundations that would shape the city for generations. Tradition remembers him especially for founding some of Venice’s earliest churches, places where the faithful could gather for the Eucharist, prayer, and the steady instruction of the Gospel. Among those linked to his name are Santi Apostoli, San Pietro di Castello, Santa Maria Formosa, San Giovanni in Bragora, San Zaccaria, San Salvador, Santa Giustina, and Angelo San Raffaele. Through this pastoral zeal, Magnus is venerated as a shepherd who protected and strengthened God’s people in a time of trial. He died in 670, and his relics are said to rest in the church of San Geremia in Venice. Saint Magnus is honored as patron of Portegrandi. His feast day is October 6.