Marcian of Tortona

Saint Marcian of Tortona was born in Italy to a pagan family, though the details of his early life are known chiefly through ancient tradition. He is remembered as the first bishop of Tortona in north-western Italy, shepherding the young Christian community there for some forty-five years. According to venerable legend, Marcian was converted to Christ through the preaching of Saint Barnabas and later strengthened in the faith by Saint Sirus of Pavia. His witness also helped draw others to the Gospel: Secundus of Asti, still a pagan when they met, was moved by Marcian’s example and teaching toward conversion. Marcian’s long episcopal service was crowned with martyrdom. Tradition holds that he was crucified for his steadfast confession of Christ, dying either around 117 under Emperor Trajan or about 120 under Hadrian. His relics, discovered in the fourth century near the Scrivia River, are venerated in the cathedral of Tortona. Saint Marcian is honored as patron of Tortona and Ottone. His feast day is March 6.