Proculus

Saint Proculus (also called Proclus) was born in the region of Pozzuoli in Campania, Italy, in the early centuries of the Church, though the details of his youth are unknown. He is remembered as a deacon of Pozzuoli who lived during the fierce persecutions under Emperor Diocletian. Around the year 305, as Bishop Januarius of Benevento sought refuge near Pozzuoli, several Christians were arrested for their faith, including the deacon Sossius and the servants of the Church Festus and Desiderius. When they were condemned to death, Proculus, together with the laymen Eutyches and Acutius, courageously protested the unjust sentence. For this witness they were seized as well and, according to tradition, all were beheaded near the volcanic area of Solfatara. Proculus is venerated as a martyr who chose fidelity to Christ over safety, strengthening the faith of the Church at Pozzuoli. His relics were first laid to rest in a temple later transformed into the cathedral of Pozzuoli. He is honored as a patron of Pozzuoli and Monterusciello. His feast day is October 18.