St. Barbatus

Saint Barbatus of Benevento

Bishop & Confessor

Barbatus, or Barbas, was born to Christian parents in Benevento, Italy, in the early seventh century. He showed his piety from a young age, and took holy orders as soon as the Church allowed. Barbatus had a great gift for preaching, and was assigned by his bishop to a nearby town. His parishioners were set in their sinful ways, however, and when Barbatus received their anger with holy patience, they began to spread false rumors that forced Barbatus to return to Benevento. The holy priest swiftly began to preach against the residual pagan practices of that city, at first to no avail. When the city was threatened by an enemy army, however, the frightened people took heed of Barbatus and forswore their superstitions. The siege of the city was soon lifted, as Barbatus predicted, and he himself cut down the people’s pagan tree and melted down their idolatrous golden viper to make an altar chalice. Benevento’s bishop had died during the siege, and Barbatus succeeded him in the year of Our Lord 663. After almost two decades leading his flock and assisting at councils, Barbatus died in 682.

Traditional Roman Martyrology for February 19th

AT Rome, the birthday of St. Gabinus, priest and martyr, brother of the blessed pope Caius. Being loaded with chains and kept a long time in prison by Diocletian, he obtained the joys of heaven by a precious death.

In Africa, the holy martyrs Publius, Julian, Marcellus, and others.

In Palestine, the commemoration of the holy monks and other martyrs, who were barbarously massacred for the faith of Christ by the Saracens, under their leader Almondhar.

At Jerusalem, St. Zambdas, bishop.

At Soli, St. Auxibius, bishop.

At Benevento, St. Barbatus, a bishop illustrious for sanctity, who converted the Lombards and their chief to the faith of Christ.

At Milan, St. Mansuetus, bishop and confessor.

℣. And elsewhere many other holy martyrs, confessors, and holy virgins.

℟. Thanks be to God.