San Defendente
San Defendente, the Christian martyr
San Defendente was a Christian martyr killed under the Roman emperor Massimiano. According to hagiography, he refused to sacrifice to the emperor's cult, thereby renouncing his Christian faith. Later, he was killed along with his companions near Agauno, near the Rhône.
The cult of San Defendente
San Defendente has been revered as a saint since the 14th century, particularly in northern Italy and in some areas of Tuscany. The cities of Chivasso, Casale Monferrato, Novara, Lodi, Acqui Terme, and Cassinelle are just a few that have become known for the spread of the cult. Several churches claim to possess relics of the Saint, including Cassinelle in the province of Alessandria, Cassolnovo in the province of Pavia, and Gagnone, a hamlet of Druogno in the province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola.
San Defendente in artistic portrayals
San Defendente is often represented dressed as a Roman soldier, holding the palm of martyrdom in one hand. His figure has been invoked as a protector against the danger of wolves and fires.
Cities that have chosen San Defendente as patron saint
San Defendente has been chosen as the patron saint of several cities and hamlets in northern Italy, including Beccara, Bigiardi, Bocciolaro, Bosco, Bottorno, Briccarello, Caliogna, Cartiglia, Cassinelle, Cassolnovo, Castiglione, Ceresolo, Cheggino, Chuchal, Cimenasco, Colma, Elevaz, Franchini, Gabiano Monferrato, Mantegna, Mescia, Montemarzo, Monte San Defendente, Premolo, Rivò, Romano di Lombardia, Ronago, Ronco, San Defendente, Taponaccio, Torre di Bairo, Vallumida, Vico Canavese, and Valle di Sopra. In the municipality of Vinadio, in the province of Cuneo, there is a chapel dedicated to the Saint.
Conclusions
San Defendente was a Christian martyr who sacrificed his life to defend his faith. Since the 14th century, his figure has been revered in several cities and hamlets of northern Italy. The churches that house relics of the Saint, the artistic portrayals, and the patronal celebrations are still an important expression of devotion and religious culture today.
