Saint Cristino

Saint Cristinus is venerated as a martyr of the Catholic Church. He is the patron saint of Portoferraio, an Italian city located on the island of Elba. His relic, devoutly called a "holy body" (corpo santo in Italian), is preserved and venerated in the church belonging to the Confraternity of Mercy. In 1661, the "holy body" was discovered in the Roman Catacombs of Priscilla. Antonio Vai, a resident of Portoferraio and member of the Confraternity of Mercy, happened to be in Rome at the time. Pope Alexander VII decided to donate the holy body to the community of Portoferraio. The relic arrived on April 29, a date that became the patronal feast day for the entire Portoferraio community. In 1764, Pope Clement XIII approved the selection of Saint Cristinus as the city's patron saint. On April 7, 1764, the Sacred Congregation of Rites granted the feast of Saint Cristinus all the honors due to the celebration of the principal protector of Portoferraio. On August 9, 1764, Emperor Francis I expressed his approval through a decree. During the feast days, the crypt where the remains of Saint Cristinus rest is generally opened, and they are displayed in the confraternity's church before being transferred to the city's cathedral. Following this, a religious celebration is held, and the urn containing the remains of Saint Cristinus is carried through the streets of the old town, bestowing his blessing upon the city.