Alexander of Bergamo was a Roman soldier, possibly a centurion of the Theban Legion, who lived during the early 4th century. Born in Rome, he was martyred in Bergamo around 303 for refusing to abandon his Christian faith. After surviving decimation at Agaunum, he was held in Milan's Zebedeo Prison, where he eventually escaped with the assistance of Fidelis. His resistance to Roman religious practices, including the destruction of a sacrificial altar in Milan, eventually led to his execution by decapitation.
Life and martyrdom
Following his survival of the decimation at Agaunum, Alexander was imprisoned in Milan. He managed to escape from the Zebedeo Prison through the help of Fidelis, though he was later captured after fleeing toward Como. His refusal to participate in pagan rituals, specifically demonstrated when he destroyed a sacrificial altar in Milan, resulted in his death by decapitation.
Veneration and patronage
He is commemorated annually on August 26. As a saint, he serves as the patron of several locations, including Bergamo, Capriate San Gervasio, and Cervignano d'Adda. In Bergamo, the local cathedral is dedicated to him, marking his significant religious importance in the region.