Barbatus of Benevento

Saint Barbatus of Benevento was born around 610 in Vandano, near Cerreto Sannita, in the Duchy of Benevento. Formed by a solid Christian education and deep love for Sacred Scripture, he was ordained as soon as he was able and quickly became known as a gifted preacher. Sent to serve at St. Basil’s in Morcone, he met resistance from lukewarm believers, yet he persevered in calling hearts back to a living faith. Returning to Benevento, Barbatus confronted lingering pagan superstitions among the people and even within the Lombard court, including devotion to a golden viper and a sacred walnut tree. When Emperor Constans II besieged the city, Barbatus’s warnings proved true; in fear and repentance the people renounced these practices. He destroyed the objects of superstition, even melting the viper into a chalice for the Church, and strengthened the city’s defenses by repurposing materials from a pagan temple. Elected bishop in 663, he shepherded Benevento with courage and orthodoxy, assisting Pope Agatho’s council in Rome and attending the Third Council of Constantinople against Monothelitism. He is honored as a patron of Benevento and of Casalattico, Castelvenere, Cicciano, San Barbato, and Valle dell’Angelo. His feast day is February 19.