Ardwyne of Ceprano

Saint Ardwyne (Arduino) of Ceprano was a pilgrim and priest of Celtic stock, from Britain, who died at Ceprano in Italy on 28 July 627. He is commemorated on 28 July, in the Catholic Church.

According to tradition he was born where the town of Silian now stands, in Great Britain, in the seventh century. He was of the Celtic people, who had been brought to Christianity not long before by the labours of missionaries sent by Saint Gregory the Great. After his studies, he was ordained priest by Saint Augustine of Canterbury. The dates do not quite fit: Augustine died in 604, and Ardwyne is placed in the seventh century, so the story must be received with caution.

With his companions Gerard, Fulk and Bernard he went on pilgrimage to the Holy Land. He lived for a time as a hermit at the sanctuary of Saint Michael the Archangel on Monte Gargano, and then set out for Rome to venerate the tombs of the apostles Peter and Paul.

On the journey all his companions died: Gerard at Gallinaro, Fulk near Santopadre and Bernard near Arpino. Left alone, Ardwyne stopped at Ceprano, a town where plague had spread. He decided to stay there and help the townspeople in need.

One of the altars of the old Vatican basilica was dedicated to him.