Felinus and Gratian

Saints Felinus and Gratian, martyrs, were soldiers and died as martyrs in the third century, around the year 250. They are the patrons of the city of Arona, near Milan, where their relics are kept. They are venerated by both the Catholic and the Orthodox Church and are commemorated on 1 June and on 13 March.

According to the written tradition, they suffered at Perugia, in the time of the emperor Decius. Their relics were moved from Arona to Milan in the year 930.

On 13 March the city of Arona celebrates two groups of martyrs: Felinus and Gratian, and also Carpophorus and Fidelis. The festival is called Tredicino and is held on the shore of Lake Maggiore. In Arona there is a church of Saint Gratian.