Prosper of Reggio

Saint Prosper of Reggio was born in Italy, though the place and date of his birth are not known. He served the Church in the fifth century and, according to long-held tradition, was bishop of Reggio Emilia for twenty-two years, shepherding his people with a notable spirit of charity. While few details of his life survive, historical documents confirm his episcopate, and the faithful have remembered him as a devoted pastor who sought the good of his city. Local tradition also credits Prosper with a striking deliverance: when Attila the Hun threatened Reggio, the bishop is said to have miraculously called down a dense fog that concealed the city and turned danger away. Prosper himself built a church in Reggio, dedicating it to Saint Apollinaris; later generations honored Prosper there, and his relics were solemnly translated and preserved beneath the great altar. He is venerated as patron of Reggio Emilia and also of Carpineti, Cinquecerri, and Collecchio. Saint Prosper died in Reggio Emilia around 466. His feast day is June 25.