Gaudentius of Rimini
Gaudentius of Rimini (Italian: San Gaudenzo di Rimini, sometimes spelled Gaudenzio) (c. 280 AD – 14 October 360) was a bishop of Rimini, who is venerated as a martyred saint in the Catholic Church and Eastern Orthodox Church.
Saint Gaudentius of Rimini | |
|---|---|
Gaudentius' sarcophagus by the Tempio Malatestiano in Rimini, September 2013 | |
| Martyr | |
| Born | c. 280 AD Ephesus, Roman Empire |
| Died | 14 October 360 Rimini, Roman Empire |
| Venerated in | |
| Feast |
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| Patronage | Rimini, Garaguso, Ostra, Montefabbri (Vallefoglia) |
The accounts of Gaudentius' life vary. According to one account, Gaudentius was born in Ephesus in around 280 AD, consecrated as a bishop in Rome, and sent to preach in Ariminum (Rimini). He founded an early Christian community in the city, and ordained Saint Marinus as a deacon. In another account, in 359, he participated in the Council of Ariminum, and was killed by a mob on 14 October 360, either by supporters of Arianism or imperial guards.
As well as being the patron saint of Rimini, Gaudentius is celebrated in Ostra, in the Marche region, Garaguso, in Basilicata, both of which host some of his relics. In Rimini, his feast day of 14 October is celebrated as a holiday.