Venantius of Camerino

Saint Venantius of Camerino was born in Italy, though the place and year of his birth are not known. Christian tradition remembers him as a courageous teenager, about fifteen years old, who lived during the fierce persecutions under Emperor Decius. Guided in the faith by his tutor, the priest Porphyrius, Venantius remained steadfast in confessing Christ even as he was subjected to brutal torments—scourging, burning, being suspended over fire, and other cruelties—yet he would not renounce the Lord. He was finally martyred by beheading at Camerino around 251–253, together with other believers, including Porphyrius and Leontius, the bishop of Camerino. Venantius was buried outside the city walls, and devotion quickly grew around his tomb; a basilica rose there, and the people cherished him as a powerful intercessor. He is especially venerated as patron of Camerino, Coccanile, Lagosanto, Marcetelli, Raiano, and is also linked by tradition to Raiano, where he is said to have found brief refuge. His feast day is May 18.