Saint Vicinius of Sarsina

Biography

Saint Vicinius of Sarsina, also known as Vicinio, was a prayerful hermit who lived on a mountain near Sarsina, Italy. The mountain has since been named Monte San Vicinio in his honor. In the year 303, as per the customary practice of the time, the clergy and laity of Sarsina gathered to select their bishop. It is said that during this selection process, a sign appeared in the heavens above the mountain where Vicinius resided. Some accounts suggest that angels were seen in prayer over his hermitage. Taking this celestial sign as a divine indication, a group of the faithful was sent to find Vicinius, whom they believed had been pointed out to them. Thus, Vicinius was chosen as the first bishop of Sarsina. Vicinius served as the bishop of Sarsina for over 25 years, tirelessly spreading the faith throughout the entire region. Despite his busy episcopal duties, he regularly retreated to the mountains to spend solitary time in deep spiritual reflection. It was during these solitary retreats that he prayed fervently, performed miracles, and demonstrated his remarkable ability to heal physical and mental illnesses. Additionally, Vicinius possessed the gift of exorcism, successfully freeing those afflicted by demonic oppression. As a personal penance, Vicinius wore an iron collar around his neck for much of his life. This collar was adorned with a heavy stone attached by a chain. The bishop believed that the power of his prayers for healing was especially enhanced when the patient briefly wore the iron collar around their own neck. Remarkably, the iron collar has survived to the present day and is still utilized for blessings of the sick, particularly those suffering from obsessions. Over time, a folk tradition developed where people wove collars from differently colored threads known as "cordlens." These cordlens served as get-well wishes for the sick and as a symbolic reminder of prayers for the intercession of Saint Vicinius. During the celebration of his memorial on August 28th, these cordlens are blessed and distributed to the faithful. An intriguing legend associated with Vicinius tells of a beggar who attempted to steal the bishop's iron collar and chain. The beggar ran all night to escape the area, only to discover at dawn that he had been running in the same spot for hours. Frustrated, he threw the chain into the river, where it miraculously floated until it was eventually found by locals and returned to its proper place. Saint Vicinius was born in the late 3rd century in Liguria, Italy. He passed away on August 28, 330, in the vicinity of Sarsina, Italy, due to natural causes. His relics, including the renowned iron collar, are enshrined in the Basilica of San Vicinio. Although Vicinius was proclaimed a saint before the formal establishment of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, he is venerated as a saint in the Pre-Congregation era. Saint Vicinius is honored as the patron saint of Cesena-Sarsina,Italy, and the diocese of Sarsina, Italy. He is also revered as the patron of the city of Sarsina. The faithful continue to seek his intercession, particularly for healing and protection against obsessions. The legacy of Saint Vicinius of Sarsina lives on, inspiring devotion and reaffirming the power of prayer and faith in the lives of believers.