Formerius

Saint Formerius is a saint venerated above all in Spain, at Treviño (province of Burgos), at Bañares (La Rioja) and at Cerezo de Río Tirón. Tradition says that he was born in a place called Caesarea, lived as a hermit and was martyred in the year 362.

Concerning his birthplace and what became of his relics there are two versions, neither verifiable for lack of documents. According to the first, he was born in Caesarea of Cappadocia and his relics came to Pangua in Treviño carried on the back of a mare; tradition says they were brought by Saint Columba. According to the second, Formerius was from Cerezo de Río Tirón. A less credible legend tells of three hermit brothers, Formerius, Felix and John, who preached in the region and stirred up quarrels, until Saint Dominic of the Causeway separated them and sent Formerius to Pangua.

Since the Middle Ages the saint has been patron of Treviño, and his relics are kept in a shrine closed with six keys held by six parishes. The faithful invoke him for flocks, for harvests and against headaches; in 1742 the faithful damaged the lower part of the tomb, because they used to tear off pieces of stone as a remedy. He is commemorated on 25 September. He is honored as a saint of the undivided Church.