Saint Fulgencio of Otricoli

Biography

Saint Fulgencio of Otricoli, also known as Fulgenzio, was a revered figure in the Catholic Church, serving as the bishop of Otricoli, Italy, during the mid-6th century. His remarkable story of courage and unwavering faith has been passed down through generations, and Pope Saint Gregory the Great himself wrote about him in Dialogues. During his time as bishop, the city of Otricoli faced a grave threat when the Ostrogoth army, led by King Totila, approached its gates. Filled with deep concern for his people, Fulgencio ventured out to meet Totila, first pleading for mercy and the sparing of his beloved city. However, when his pleas fell on deaf ears, the resourceful bishop resorted to offering a bribe to convince Totila to bypass Otricoli. Unfortunately, as fate would have it, the Ostrogoths saw through this attempt and captured Fulgencio. Placing him within a circle drawn in the dirt, they instructed the guards to take his life if he dared to venture outside its boundaries. The saintly bishop found himself trapped, exposed to the scorching sun, and keenly aware of the dire circumstances that surrounded him. Yet, in the face of adversity, Fulgencio turned to his unyielding faith in God. Despite the blistering heat and the anxiety of imminent danger, he prayed fervently for relief. In a remarkable display of divine intervention, the sky above Otricoli quickly clouded over, and rain poured heavily over the city – except within the circle imprisoning Fulgencio. Miraculously, the downpour halted precisely at the boundaries of the drawn circle, leaving the bishop untouched and providing him with much-needed respite from the intense sun. This astonishing event attested to the sanctity of Saint Fulgencio and cemented his reputation as a holy man of God. His unwavering faith, even in the face of danger, inspired all those who witnessed or heard of this remarkable occurrence. Saint Fulgencio passed away in the 6th century in Otricoli, Terni, Italy, succumbing to natural causes. Though his representation is not specified, his memory and impact have been preserved throughout history. While he has not been officially designated a patron saint, many continue to turn to him as a source of inspiration and intercession. The feast day of Saint Fulgencio falls on May 22nd, a day designated to honor his memory and the profound impact he had on the community of Otricoli and beyond. Although his formal canonization occurred prior to the establishment of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, Saint Fulgencio is revered and venerated as a holy figure in the pre-congregation era. Saint Fulgencio of Otricoli's life serves as a testament to the power of faith, even in the face of insurmountable odds. His unwavering devotion to the well-being of his community, his selflessness in the face of danger, and the remarkable miracle of the rain-filled circle make him a revered figure in the annals of Catholic history. As we reflect on his life and emulate his unwavering faith, may we find strength and inspiration in the example set forth by Saint Fulgencio of Otricoli.