Saint Canius

Saint Canius was born in Iulia, near Carthage, in the first half of the third century. In time he was chosen as bishop of Acerenza, shepherding his flock with the steady courage of the early Church. During the Diocletianic Persecution he was brought before the prefect Pigrasius and commanded to worship idols and confess the emperor’s divinity. Canius refused, clinging to Christ alone. Tortured and imprisoned, he did not yield; instead, through patient suffering and fearless preaching, he continued to proclaim the Gospel and drew many who approached him toward the faith. Condemned to be beheaded, he was unexpectedly spared when a violent storm and earthquake scattered the soldiers, allowing him to flee by boat to Volturno. He later preached at Atella, where healings and deliverance were attributed to his prayers. In old age he withdrew to a hermitage and died in peace. Honored as a martyr and revered especially in Acerenza and Calitri, he is their patron. His feast day is May 25.