Prosdocimus
Prosdocimus (Prosdecimus) of Padua (Italian: Prosdocimo, German: Prosdozimus) (d. November 7, ca. 100 AD) is venerated as the first bishop of Padua. Tradition holds that, being of Greek origin, he was sent from Antioch by Peter the Apostle. He is thus often depicted in art with this apostle. The cathedral at Feltre is dedicated to him and Saint Peter the Apostle, and the artist Il Pordenone (c. 1483 - 1539) created a work depicting Prosdocimus with Peter.
Saint Prosdocimus | |
---|---|
Died | c. 100 AD |
Venerated in | Roman Catholic Church, Orthodox Church. |
Major shrine | Santa Giustina Basilica, Padua |
Feast | November 7 |
Attributes | Depicted as a bishop holding a jar. Sometimes he is shown with Saint Justina of Padua to whom he was a spiritual father according to a medieval source. He may be depicted wearing a Benedictine habit. |
Patronage | Padua |
He evangelized the region and is said to have founded the parish church at Isola Vicentina.
His tomb is situated at the basilica of Santa Giustina at Padua. The chapel dedicated to him there was built over his tomb outside the walls of Padua. The church also once contained the relics of Prosdocimus's deacon, Daniel, though these were moved to the Paduan church of Santa Sofia in the 11th century.
Prosdocimus is depicted in an altarpiece by Romanino, now in the Musei Civici di Padova, Padua. He holds the jug a water with which he baptized Justina.[1]