Name
Fidelis, martyr of Summus Lacus near Como
Saint ID
S01484
Number in BH
BHL 275-277; 2922-2923
Reported Death Not Before
285
Reported Death Not After
305
Gender
Male
Type of Saint
Martyrs, Aristocrats
| ID | Title | E01915 | The Latin Martyrdom of *Alexander (martyr of Bergamo, S01121) is written in three variant versions. A prologue, in two versions, defends and promotes the veneration of martyrs and their stories. The longest version narrates conversions performed by Maternus, bishop of Milan, including that of *Fidelis (martyr of Summus Lacus, S01484); together they visit imprisoned Christians, Alexander (a member of the Theban legion), Cassius, Severus, Secundus and Licinius in Milan; this triggers the conversion of the soldiers *Carpophorus and Exantius (martyrs of Como, S01485); all travel to Como and resurrect a man on the way; then Alexander leaves them. All versions agree for the final part: Alexander is arrested, flees to Bergamo and is found and executed after long prayers of blessings, and buried near the walls of Bergamo, where miracles still happen. Written probably in Bergamo, at an uncertain date, but by the 9th c. at the latest. | E02348 | Ennodius of Pavia writes the Life of *Antonius (monk of northern Italy and Lérins, S01208), ostensibly at the request of abbot Leontius. It narrates Antonius' life, emphasising his early extreme ascetic endeavours, before finally choosing cenobitism as the best form of monasticism, and entering the community of Lérins (southern France), where he becomes a leading figure and eventually dies. Written in Latin, probably in Pavia (northern Italy) between 506 and 521. | E04651 | The Latin Martyrdom of *Fidelis (martyr of Summus Lacus, S01484) narrates the journey to Como (northern Italy) of Fidelis, Exantius and Carpophorus; Exantius and Carpophorus’ execution in Silvula near Como; Fidelis' travel to Vicus Summolacanum where he is found and tortured; the beheading of Felix in a place called Turriculus and a miraculous exorcism referring to the building of his tomb. Written presumably in northern Italy, possibly as part of a wider hagiographical cycle centred around *Alexander (martyr of Bergamo, S01121), possibly in the 8th c. | E04652 | The Latin Martyrdom of *Exantius, Carpophorus and Companions (martyrs of Como, S01485), after a narrative shared with the Martyrdom of *Alexander of Bergamo (E01915), narrates Fidelis’ travel to the vicus Summolacanus; the torture and martyrdom suffered in Silvula near Como (northern Italy) by Exantius, Carpophorus and their companions, and their burial there. Written presumably in northern Italy, possibly as part of a wider hagiographical cycle centred around Alexander, possibly in the 8th c. |
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