Saint Candidus

Saint Candidus was born in Upper Egypt, and became a commander in the famed Theban Legion, a unit of Christian soldiers serving the Roman Empire. In the late third century, during the reign of Emperor Maximian, Candidus and his companions were ordered to harass local Christians in the emperor’s name. As a staff officer under Saint Maurice, Candidus courageously refused, professing that while they were loyal soldiers, they were first servants of the true God and could not renounce their Creator. According to ancient tradition, this steadfast witness led to martyrdom: Candidus, Maurice, other officers, and thousands of their fellow soldiers were put to death around the year 287 at Agaunum, in what is now Saint-Maurice-en-Valais, Switzerland. The Church venerates Saint Candidus as a martyr whose obedience to Christ surpassed fear of earthly power. His relics have long been honored at the Abbey of Saint-Maurice d’Agaune, a place of enduring pilgrimage and devotion. Saint Candidus is honored as a patron of Innichen. His feast day is September 22.