Saint Domitius of Phrygia

Biography

Saint Emidius, also known as Emygdius, Emigdius, or Emigdio, was a prominent figure in the early Christian Church. He is considered a convert to Christianity and later became a bishop. Born in Germany, Saint Emidius became an ardent follower of Christ and dedicated his life to spreading the Gospel message. His fervor and dedication caught the attention of Pope Saint Marcellus, who consecrated him as a bishop. Saint Emidius embarked on a missionary journey to Trier, Germany, where he experienced great success in leading others to the Christian faith. However, Saint Emidius faced significant challenges in his mission to Trier. As part of his efforts to eradicate pagan practices, he began smashing pagan idols. This action incited non-converts to revolt against him, forcing him to seek refuge in Rome for his own safety. Despite these difficulties, Saint Emidius remained steadfast in his beliefs and was determined to continue his mission. After some time in Rome, Saint Emidius returned to his mission in Ascoli Piceno, Italy. Unfortunately, he faced persecution under the Roman Emperor Diocletian, who sought to suppress Christianity. As a result, Saint Emidius was martyred, losing his life as a faithful witness to his Christian faith. The exact details of Saint Emidius's martyrdom are not known, but it is believed that he was beheaded around the year 303. His relics were later enshrined in Ascoli Piceno, where they remain to this day. Saint Emidius was recognized for his unwavering faith and selfless dedication to spreading the Christian message. He was canonized as a saint in the early years of the Church, during the Pre-Congregation period, which means he was declared a saint before the formal canonization process was established. Throughout history, Saint Emidius has been venerated as a powerful intercessor, particularly against earthquakes. His association with protection against seismic events stems from the miraculous legend that during an earthquake in Ascoli Piceno, his intervention protected the city from total destruction. As a result, he is considered the patron saint against earthquakes in some regions. Saint Emidius's feast day is celebrated on August 5th each year, to honor his life, ministry, and ultimate sacrifice. His legacy lives on as a symbol of unwavering faith and dedication to the Christian faith, particularly in Italy where he is revered as a local hero.