Firmus and Rusticus
Saints Firmus and Rusticus (Italian: San Fermo e San Rustico) (died c. 290 AD) are venerated as two martyrs of Verona. Their unreliable Acts state that Firmus and Rusticus, kinsmen, were prominent citizens of Bergamo. They were martyred at Verona under the Emperor Maximian after refusing to sacrifice to pagan idols. Under the judge Anolinus, they were tortured, beaten with clubs, and beheaded.[1]
Saints Firmus and Rusticus | |
---|---|
Martyrs | |
Born | Bergamo, Italy |
Died | c. 290 Verona, Italy |
Venerated in | Roman Catholic Church Eastern Orthodox Church |
Feast | 9 August |
The Church of Sant Fermo, Verona has 24 tiles by the Italian artist Luciano Minguzzi depicting the torture and killing of Saint Fermo and Saint Rustico - notably the killing of Saint Rustico with a herringbone.
It has been postulated that Firmus and Rusticus were actually two martyrs of Africa whose relics were translated to Verona. Their Acts were written to make them heroes of Verona instead. Their feast day is celebrated on August 9.
Gallery
- Church of San Fermo e Rustico, Brignano Gera d'Adda. 12th century
- Parish church of Caravaggio, Lombardy, dedicated to Firmus and Rusticus
- Fresco about Saints Firmus and Rusticus in Val Camonica
References
- Monks of Ramsgate. "Firmus and Rusticus". Book of Saints 1921. CatholicSaints.Info. 9 August 2016 This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.