Ingenuinus was a 6th-century bishop of Säben, who served as the second historically confirmed leader of that see. Of likely Roman descent, he governed a territory in the former province of Raetia Secunda during a period of intense conflict between the Franks and the Lombards. He participated in the Synod of Marano between 588 and 590 and was among the bishops who signed a document to Emperor Maurikios in 591 regarding the Three-Chapter Controversy. He died around 605 at Säben Abbey.
Life and death
During his episcopate, Ingenuinus navigated the shifting borders of the Adige valley as it faced various invasions. He maintained contact with Bishop Agnellus of Trento during the siege of Verucca. Following his death, his remains were moved from Säben to Brixen Cathedral around 990. A contemporary bishop's grave was later identified at Säben in 1982.
Veneration
Because he endured attacks from the Lombards, Slavs, and Baiuvarii, he was regarded as a martyr for several centuries. Today, he is recognized as a confessor. He is celebrated on 5 February and serves as a patron saint for mountain dwellers. Alongside Cassian and Albuin, he is one of the three patron saints of the Diocese of Bozen-Brixen.