Amantius of Como

Saint Amantius of Como (Amanzio) was the third bishop of Como in Italy, who died on 8 April 448 (our record gives around 440). He was preceded by Felix and Provinus and followed by Abundius. A late legend, born of a naive reading of a place name, says he was born in Canterbury and was an imperial official before becoming bishop, a relative of Theodosius II through his mother. He is said to have built the original basilica of Sant'Abbondio outside the walls of Como, to house relics of Saints Peter and Paul that he had brought from Rome. His relics remained there until 2 July 1590, when they were moved to the church of the Gesù in Como, and later to San Fedele, where they remain today. He is a saint of the undivided Church, commemorated on 8 April (new style; 21 April in the old style).