Marianus of Acerenza

Holy Martyr Marianus of Acerenza was a deacon of the Church of Acerenza in southern Italy, in the time of Pope Marcellus I, and a close friend of Saint Laverius, from whom he learned courage in preaching the Gospel. He was born in the 3rd century at Acerenza or at Ripacandida.

He suffered martyrdom at Grumentum in the year 303, in the persecution of Diocletian. In the cathedral of Acerenza a chapel is dedicated to him, and he is a lesser patron of the city. In 1782 Archbishop Francesco Zunica had the relics placed under the altar, where there is also a wooden statue of 1613, made by order of Archbishop Giovanni Spilla. On 13 May 1613 the relics were examined. He is commemorated on 30 April, by the Western calendar (new style). He is honored as a saint of the undivided Church.