Proculus of Bologna

Saint Proculus of Bologna, also called Proculus the Soldier, was according to tradition a Roman officer martyred at Bologna around 304, during the persecution of Diocletian. He is one of the patrons of the city and is commemorated on 1 June.

Tradition preserves two different stories. In the first, Proculus was a military commander who spread the Christian faith. In the time of Diocletian a certain Marinus was sent to Bologna to enforce the emperor's edict. Enraged by his cruelty, Proculus went to his house and killed him with an axe. He was then condemned and beheaded, and the martyr carried his head to the place where a church would later be raised in his name.

The second story speaks of a bishop of Terni who, fleeing persecution by the Goths, came to Bologna and was beheaded there.

The people of Bologna have honoured him since very ancient times. His remains are kept in the church of San Procolo in Bologna, and a statue of the saint by Michelangelo stands in the church of San Domenico in the same city. Another statue of him can be seen on the spire of the south transept of the Cathedral of Milan.