Saint Eleutherius

Eleutherius (born c. 90; died c. 138 in Aecae) was a bishop in Illyria and a martyr. According to tradition, Eleutherius lost his father at an early age and was taken by his Christian mother, Anthia, to Anacletus, Bishop of Rome, to be instructed in Christian doctrine. It is said that Eleutherius became a deacon at 16, a presbyter at 18, and Bishop of Illyricum at 20, where he brought numerous people to the Christian faith. He is said to have suffered martyrdom under Emperor Hadrian in the city of Aecae, the modern-day town of Troia in Apulia, after being tortured in various ways. Paternius, Calocerus, Febus, Procelus, Apollonius, Fortunatus, Crispinus, Expeditus, Mappalicus, Victorinus, and Gagus were also killed for their faith alongside him. Anthia, who had taken her son's body into her arms, was beheaded shortly thereafter. Eleutherius is venerated especially in Southern Italy. Relics are located in Rieti, Troia, and Velletri. He is the patron saint of San Ginesio and Belforte del Chienti.