Ceccardus of Luni was a 9th-century bishop of Luni, located in present-day Liguria, Italy. He is identified in historical documents as Sicheradus Silitraldi, a name suggesting he may have descended from a Byzantine family. His life ended in 860 during a violent raid on his city by Viking forces led by chieftains such as Hastein and Bjorn Ironside. Recognized as a martyr, he is celebrated for his faith and remains a significant religious figure in the region.
Life and death
During his time as a cleric, Ceccardus recorded details regarding the episcopate of Petroaldo. His life concluded when Viking invaders sacked Luni in 860. According to tradition, the chieftain Hastein used a deception to gain entry to the city, claiming the bishop was a dying man seeking Christian conversion. Once inside the church to receive the sacraments, the bishop was killed during the subsequent pillaging of the town.
Veneration and legacy
The saint serves as the patron of Carrara. His remains are preserved in the Cathedral of Carrara, where they have been formally identified on several occasions, including in 1599 and 1949. A church, San Ceccardo ad Acquas, was established at the site of his martyrdom. He is commemorated annually on June 16, and local devotion has persisted through centuries of tradition.