Anthimus of Rome

Saint Anthimus of Rome, known in Italy as Sant’Antimo, is believed to have been born in Bithynia and to have died a martyr around the year 303. Though many details of his life come down through legend, the Church remembers him as a priest who remained steadfast during the persecutions under Emperors Diocletian and Maximian. Imprisoned for his faith, Anthimus was discovered by Lucina, a charitable Christian woman devoted to aiding persecuted believers. Through Anthimus’s witness, the local governor Pinianus was converted and, according to tradition, healed of illness; in gratitude he freed imprisoned Christians and sheltered Anthimus on the Via Salaria. From there, Anthimus is said to have preached boldly in Italy, drawing many to Christ and working signs that strengthened the faithful. Accused of attacking pagan worship, he endured further arrest and suffering, and was ultimately beheaded on the consul Priscus’s order. His tomb became a place of pilgrimage, and his relics were later venerated in Tuscany near the abbey of Sant’Antimo. He is honored as a patron of Nazzano, Recale, and Sant’Antimo. His feast day is May 11.