Titian of Oderzo

Saint Titian of Oderzo was born to a noble family in Eraclea (Grisolera) in the Veneto region of northern Italy. In time he entered the service of the Church at Opitergium, today’s Oderzo, assisting Bishop Florian as a deacon and priest. Known for his generous care of the poor, Titian learned to shepherd souls with humility and practical charity. When Florian resigned his see to devote himself to missionary work, the faithful chose Titian as his successor, and he became bishop of Oderzo in the seventh century. As bishop, Titian gave himself wholeheartedly to his diocese, strengthening the people in orthodox faith and firmly opposing Arianism. He died in 632, traditionally on January 16, and was buried in the cathedral of Oderzo. Many reported miracles at his tomb, and devotion to him spread widely. After Oderzo was destroyed in 665, his relics were translated to Ceneda, where they remain honored. Saint Titian is especially venerated as patron of Oderzo, Francenigo, and Vittorio Veneto. His feast day is January 16.