Saint Prosdocimus of Padua

Prosdocimus is, according to tradition, the first bishop of Padua. The story places him in the first century and makes him a disciple of Peter, consecrated bishop by him. He is said to have first evangelized the Sabina and Rieti — he’s considered the founder of that diocese — and then headed for the Veneto, where he died at a very old age around the year 100. Historians are cautious: as with many ancient Churches in northern Italy, the tradition tracing their origins back to the apostles took shape centuries later, often for reasons of prestige among neighboring dioceses. What is certain is that the cult of Prosdocimus in Padua is very ancient. His remains are venerated in the small chapel that bears his name, next to the basilica of Santa Giustina: it’s one of the oldest buildings in the city, from the fifth or sixth century, and it still has its original iconostasis with his name carved into it — which shows that he was already venerated at that time. He is patron of Padua together with Anthony, Justina and Daniel. One tradition also makes him the second evangelizer of the diocese of Belluno, after Hermagoras. If your name is Prosdocimus, today is your name day.