Saint Laverius

Biography

Saint Laverius, also known as Laberio, Laverio, Lavierio, or Laviero, was born in the 3rd century in Acerenza, Ripacandida, or Teggiano (records vary) in Italy. He was raised in a pagan family and eventually served as a soldier in the imperial Roman army. Laverius's life took a dramatic turn when he converted to Christianity. Filled with a newfound faith, he began preaching the Gospel in the streets of Teggiano, Italy, sharing the message of Jesus Christ with anyone who would listen. His powerful sermons began to attract attention, including that of the prefect Agrippa. The prefect, alarmed by Laverius's growing influence, ordered his arrest. Upon his capture, Laverius endured severe torture, intending to force him to renounce his newfound faith. However, Laverius remained steadfast in his commitment to Christ. He was subjected to public abuse and ridicule and was ordered to make sacrifices to pagan gods, but he refused to comply. When the authorities saw that their attempts to break Laverius's spirit had failed, they decided to throw him to wild animals in the amphitheater. However, instead of attacking him, the animals knelt before him, a miraculous show of divine intervention. Laverius was returned to his cell, but an angel appeared during the night and freed him, ordering him to travel to Grumentum (modern Grumento Nova, Italy). On August 15, 312, Laverius arrived in Grumentum and wasted no time in continuing his mission to preach the Gospel and baptize converts. Despite knowing that Agrippa would not give up, Laverius fearlessly carried out his calling. The prefect sent soldiers after him, and upon capture, Laverius endured further floggings. Astonishingly, even while being beaten, he steadfastly continued to preach about Christ. Laverius's unwavering conviction and determination to spread the Christian faith led to his execution. He was beheaded on November 17, 312, at the confluence of the Agri and Sciaura Rivers outside Grumentum. Witnesses reported seeing his soul ascending into heaven as his body was abandoned. However, a Roman matron later retrieved his body and afforded him a Christian burial. A chapel dedicated to Saint Laverius was erected at the execution site. Over time, relics associated with Saint Laverius developed a devout following. However, to protect them from invading barbarians and Saracens, they were dispersed and relocated multiple times. Sadly, some relics were destroyed during the sack of Satriano in 1427. Nevertheless, the veneration of Saint Laverius continued, and a significant relic, an arm bone, reached Tito, Italy, by 1465. Since then, Tito has been a devoted place of pilgrimage for his followers. However, the last remaining relic was stolen from Tito in December 1968. Although Saint Laverius lived during the pre-congregation era and was not officially canonized, he is widely recognized and revered for his sacrifice and martyrdom. He is particularly honored as the patron saint of Acerenza, Grumento Nova, Laurignano, Ripacandida, Teggiano, and Tito, Italy, where his memory remains alive in the hearts of the faithful. His feast day is commemorated on November 27, though on some calendars in southern Italy, it is celebrated on November 17. Additionally, in Tito, Italy, another feast day is celebrated in his honor on September 7.