San Cataldo
San Cataldo: Life and Works
San Cataldo was born into a Christian family and received an education focused on prayer, obedience, and sacrifice. After the death of his parents, he decided to donate their entire inheritance to the poor and joined the monastery of Lismore in Ireland, where he was ordained as a priest and later became an abbot. In 670, he was ordained as a bishop and made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land.
According to legend, while he was in the Holy Land, Jesus appeared to him and asked him to go to Taranto to re-evangelize the city, which was now in the hands of pagans. San Cataldo arrived in Taranto after a long journey and devoted himself to evangelization, demolishing pagan temples and helping the needy. He also visited neighboring cities, including Corato, which he liberated from the plague and became its patron.
The saint died in Taranto in 685 and was buried under the floor of the cathedral, as he had wished. His tomb was rediscovered in 1071 during the reconstruction of the cathedral, and his remains were moved to a new chapel, where they still rest today.
The Cult of San Cataldo
According to established sources and bibliographies, San Cataldo's tomb was discovered on May 10, 1071, during the reconstruction of the Cathedral of San Cataldo in Taranto, which had been destroyed by the Saracens in 927. The saint's body was found in a tomb with a Celtic golden cross on which the word "CATALDVS" was engraved.
Despite the legend of his arrival in Taranto by divine will, San Cataldo's life is dated to the 7th century, and his figure is revered in many parts of the world. In Italy, he is the patron saint of several cities, including Taranto, Lecce, and Corato, and his cult extends to Ireland, where he spent much of his life.
The feast of San Cataldo is celebrated on March 8, the day of his death, and on this occasion, many Italian cities organize processions, religious celebrations, and folklore events in his honor.
San Cataldo Today
San Cataldo's figure continues to be revered today, especially in the areas where he is patron saint. His life and work have been studied and examined, and many people are inspired by his example of dedication to prayer, obedience, and helping the needy.
The cult of San Cataldo also extends to Irish communities in Italy, who consider him an important figure in their history and faith. In addition, his figure has been represented in numerous works of art, such as frescoes, paintings, and sculptures, a testament to his importance in Christian history.
In a world that often seems distant from spirituality and solidarity, the figure of San Cataldo represents an example of commitment to others and faith. The invitation to follow him and to be inspired by his example is still valid today, as it was in his time.
