Saint Petronius of Bologna
Fifth-century bishop of Bologna who built the Santo Stefano church complex
- Rank
- Saint
- Kind
- Bishop
- Life
- d. 450
- Era
- 5th century
- Feast
- 4 October
- Countries
- Italy
Life story
Very little is certain about Petronius. The main sources are a letter of Bishop Eucherius of Lyons and Gennadius's De viris illustribus. The Catholic Encyclopedia says he was elected and consecrated bishop of Bologna around 432 and died before 450; Gennadius places his death in the reign of the emperors Theodosius and Valentinian. He built the church of Santo Stefano in Bologna, laid out in imitation of the shrines of Jerusalem on Golgotha. The complex of Santo Stefano, often called the Seven Churches, still stands in Bologna and remains linked with his name.
A legendary life of him appeared in the twelfth century, so its details should not be taken as history. A sermon attributed to a bishop named Petronius may belong to the bishop of Verona rather than to him; the attribution is uncertain.
His relics were found in 1141 and kept at Santo Stefano. The church of San Petronio, begun in 1390, bears his name. His feast is 4 October.
Works and witness
- Bishop of Bologna from about 432
- Built the church of Santo Stefano, modelled on the holy places of Jerusalem
- His relics were found in 1141
- Feast on 4 October
Saints from the same country
References
- Catholic Encyclopedia (New Advent), St. Petronius (newadvent.org/cathen/11782a.htm)
- Catholic Encyclopedia (New Advent), Bologna (newadvent.org/cathen/02639b.htm)
- Britannica, San Petronio
Written by Anawim from documented history. Some details about ancient saints rest on tradition and are marked as such.