Vicinius of Sarsina

Saint Vicinius, believed to have been born in Liguria, lived at the dawn of the fourth century and died in 330. As persecution threatened the Church under Diocletian and Maximinus, he withdrew in humility to a mountain near Sarsina, embracing a hermit’s life of prayer and penitence on what is now called Monte San Vicinio. When the clergy and faithful of Sarsina gathered to choose a bishop, a divine sign was said to appear over the mountain, and the solitary ascetic was called from his retreat to shepherd the local Church as its first bishop, serving from about 303 until his death. Even as bishop, Vicinius returned often to solitude, drawing strength from silence and communion with God. He was remembered as a miracle-worker, especially for deliverance from demonic oppression and for healing of body and mind. A penitential iron collar he wore became a lasting sign of his intercession and is still used for blessings in the basilica at Sarsina, where pilgrims seek his aid. He is honored as patron of Sarsina, Pugliano, and Torriana. His feast day is August 28.