Saint Calocerus of Brescia

Biography

Saint Calocerus of Brescia, also known as Calogerus, was a prominent figure in the early years of Christianity. Born in Brescia, Italy, Calocerus served as an officer in the army of Emperor Hadrian during the 2nd century. Despite his military position, Calocerus felt a deep calling towards faith and conversion. In the course of his military career, Calocerus became acquainted with the Christian faith through interactions with fellow soldiers, particularly Saint Faustinus and Saint Jovita. Their commitment to Christianity and their unwavering dedication to spreading the Gospel touched Calocerus deeply, convincing him to embrace the faith and devote his life to the teachings of Christ. Once Calocerus made the decision to convert, he began fervently practicing and sharing his newfound faith with others. This attracted the attention of local authorities, who considered Christianity a threat to Roman society at the time. Despite warnings and threats, Calocerus remained steadfast in his faith and continued to preach with conviction, leading numerous individuals towards Christianity. Like many other early Christian martyrs, Calocerus faced persecution for his beliefs. It is believed that he was eventually captured in the city of Albenga, Italy, where he was arrested and brought before the local authorities. Refusing to renounce his faith, Calocerus was sentenced to death. He was beheaded, martyring for his unwavering commitment to Christ. Following his martyrdom, the relics of Saint Calocerus were preserved and venerated in the town of Chiavaz, Italy. His memory endured throughout the centuries as the faithful honored his sacrifice and sought his intercession. Although his representation is not specifically mentioned, he is often depicted as a soldier or in the attire of a Roman officer, emphasizing his military background. While not widely known today, Saint Calocerus has been recognized as a saint by the Catholic Church, albeit prior to the formal establishment of the canonization process. His canonization took place during the Pre-Congregation era, which refers to the time prior to the establishment of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints in 1588. Though lacking a dedicated patronage, Saint Calocerus continues to inspire believers with his unwavering commitment to his faith, serving as an example of strength and devotion. His feast day falls on April 18th, providing an opportunity for the faithful to honor his memory and seek his intercession.