Himerius of Cremona was a 6th-century Italian bishop, also known as Himerius of Amelia. Born in the province of Cosenza, he lived an ascetic life, serving first as a hermit and later as a monk. He is remembered for his extreme austerity before being elected to the episcopacy. His remains were eventually transferred to Cremona, where he is honored as a saint in the Roman Catholic Church and Western Rite Orthodox traditions.
Life and asceticism
Originally from Calabria, Himerius practiced a life of solitude as a hermit. He later joined a monastic community, possibly at San Giuliano in Monteluco or San Pietro in Valle. Known for his rigorous asceticism, he eventually rose to serve as the bishop of Amelia before his death in approximately 560.
Veneration and relics
In 965, Bishop Liutprand moved the saint's relics from Amelia to Cremona. After being lost following an earthquake, the remains were rediscovered in 1129, leading to reports of miracles at his tomb. Later bishops, including Sicardo, honored him by placing his relics in a consecrated stone archway and altar.