Calocerus was a 2nd-century Christian priest and soldier from Brescia. Serving as an officer in the Roman army during the reign of Hadrian, he was stationed in Lombardy. His religious conversion was reportedly inspired by the steadfastness of Saints Faustinus and Jovita. After his conversion, he is said to have influenced Secundus of Asti. He eventually traveled to Albenga, where he preached and was ultimately martyred.
Life and martyrdom
As a soldier in Ancient Rome, Calocerus was linked to the military traditions of Brescia. Following his conversion to Christianity, he became a priest. He is remembered for his missionary work in Albenga, the location where he met his death. While his life is tied to other local saints, his individual role as a preacher and martyr remains a central part of his historical tradition.
Veneration and relics
The devotion to this saint was historically concentrated within several Italian dioceses, including Milan, Asti, and Brescia. In Albenga, the cathedral was dedicated to him, and an urn containing his relics is kept there. His purported tomb is preserved today within the Civic Museum in Albenga, maintaining his connection to the local community.