Saint Cerbonius of Populonia

Biography

Saint Cerbonius of Populonia, also known as Cerbonius of Piombino, Cerbonius of Massa Marittima, Cerbo, Cerbone, and Cerbonio, was born around the year 493 in North Africa. He was raised in a Christian family and eventually became a priest, ordained by Saint Regulus. During the Vandal persecutions, Cerbonius and many other Christians in his area fled and sought refuge in the Tuscany region of Italy, where they lived as hermits. Cerbonius gained a reputation for holiness and was eventually chosen as the bishop of Populonia, Italy around the year 544. However, his tenure as bishop was not without controversy. He was known for conducting Sunday Mass at dawn, much to the dismay of his flock who had to wake up in the middle of the night. This led to complaints from his congregation, and eventually, Pope Vigilius summoned him to Rome to address the issue. When Cerbonius arrived in Rome, he woke the pope at dawn for Mass. To their amazement, they heard the singing of angels during the liturgy. Moved by this divine intervention, Pope Vigilius gave Cerbonius permission to say Mass whenever he deemed appropriate and sent him back to his diocese in Populonia. Despite his devotion and service to his community, Saint Cerbonius faced further challenges. He was charged with hiding Roman soldiers who were fleeing from invading Ostrogoths. As punishment, he was ordered to be executed by being thrown to a bear. However, when the bear came face to face with the saint, it became terrified and fell to the ground, licking the bishop's feet instead. This miraculous intervention saved Cerbonius's life, but as a consequence, he was exiled to the island of Elba, Italy. In his exile, Cerbonius lived as a prayerful hermit on the island of Elba for the rest of his life. His faith and dedication in seclusion inspired many, and his reputation as a holy man continued to grow. Cerbonius was known for his ability to heal the sick, particularly three men who were dying of fever. Through his intercession, they were miraculously cured. Saint Cerbonius is often depicted in art as a bishop with a bear licking his feet, symbolizing the miraculous incident that saved his life. He is also represented as a bishop celebrating Mass at dawn or holding a pastoral staff. Additionally, another notable episode in his life is portrayed through the symbolism of geese. During his journey to Rome to answer the summons of Pope Vigilius, Cerbonius turned a flock of geese into his companions by making the Sign of the Cross over them. When they reached Saint Peter's Basilica, he made the Sign again and set the geese free. Saint Cerbonius of Populonia died on October 10, 575, on the island of Elba, Italy, where he had spent his exile as a hermit. At his request, he was buried in Populonia, Italy. To this day, a fountain and chapel dedicated to Saint Cerbonius can be found in Populonia, and according to local lore, it is believed that those who do not drink from the fountain are considered thieves or scoundrels. During the pre-congregation era, the veneration and recognition of Saint Cerbonius as a saint occurred. His relics were later transferred to the Saint Cerbonius Cathedral in Massa Marittima, Italy. He is considered the patron saint of Baratti, Piombino, Italy, as well as the diocese of Massa Marittima-Piombino. Although Saint Cerbonius of Populonia was not formally canonized by the time of the pre-congregation era, his sanctity and devotion have been widely recognized and revered by the faithful throughout history.