Cucuphas was a 3rd-century deacon and merchant who lived during the transition between the third and fourth centuries. Born into a noble Christian family in Scillium, located in Africa Proconsularis, he later traveled to Barcelona. There, he worked as a preacher alongside Saint Felix to spread the faith. His life ended in 304 when he was executed by a sword under the authority of the prefect Rufus, making him a martyr for his beliefs.
Life and martyrdom
After serving as a deacon in Carthage, Cucuphas moved to Barcelona to engage in trade and evangelism. He became a prominent preacher in the region, working closely with Saint Felix. His religious activities eventually led to his death near Barcelona in 304, where he was martyred by the prefect Rufus.
Veneration and relics
His remains have been held in several locations, including Sant Cugat and Saint-Denis in France, before being moved to Santa Maria del Mar. He is venerated in Asturias and Girona. Devotees often invoke him to recover lost items, and he is recognized as a patron for petty thieves and individuals with hunchbacks.