Saint Quadragesimus of Policastro

Biography

Saint Quadragesimus of Policastro, also known simply as Saint Quadragesimus, was a shepherd, deacon, and revered Catholic Saint of the Pre-Congregation era. He lived in Policastro, a town located in the province of Salerno, Italy. Not much is known about Quadragesimus' early life or family background. However, his devotion to his faith and his service to the community earned him recognition and reverence among the locals. His kind and gentle nature, combined with a deep love for God, led him to be ordained as a deacon in the Church at Policastro. One of the most notable accounts attributed to Saint Quadragesimus is the miraculous raising of a dead man back to life. According to the writings of Saint Gregory the Great, Quadragesimus, in an act of great faith, prayed intensely and passionately over the lifeless body of a man. Through his unwavering belief in God's power, the man was restored to life, astonishing all those who witnessed this incredible miracle. While representations of Saint Quadragesimus are not widely known or documented, it is believed that he is depicted holding a shepherd's crook, symbolizing his humble occupation and his role as a spiritual shepherd guiding his flock towards salvation. Saint Quadragesimus died around the year 590 of natural causes. Despite the lack of specific information regarding his patronages, it is believed that Quadragesimus continues to intercede for all those in need and maintains a special connection with the people of Policastro who hold him in high esteem. While the exact date of his canonization is not recorded, it is known that Quadragesimus was recognized as a Saint by the Catholic Church prior to the establishment of the formal canonization process referred to as the Pre-Congregation period. This indicates that his exemplary life and the miracles attributed to him were acknowledged by the Church authorities of that time. Today, Saint Quadragesimus is venerated and honored on the feast day of October 26th. On this day, the faithful gather to commemorate his life, seek his intercession, and draw inspiration from his deep faith and devotion to God. As a model of compassion and faith, Saint Quadragesimus continues to inspire believers to live a life of love and service to others, reminding them of the boundless power of God's grace.