Proculus of Verona was a 4th-century bishop who served the Christian community in Verona. He is primarily recognized for surviving the persecutions led by Diocletian. According to tradition, he attempted to support fellow Christians in prison, which resulted in him being beaten and exiled by the consul Anulinus. Despite these hardships, he lived to see the end of the persecutions and eventually returned to his city, where he died of natural causes around 320 AD.
Life and travels
During the era of Diocletian, Proculus was released from custody after being punished for his faith. Following his banishment, he reportedly traveled to Jerusalem. On his journey back to Verona, he was captured and sold into slavery, though he later regained his freedom. He eventually settled back in Verona, where he lived until his death.
Veneration and relics
His remains were found in 1492 during renovations of the Church of San Procolo, which is located near the Basilica di San Zeno. His head is honored in Bergamo, where a painting by Sebastiano Ricci was created for the cathedral. Additionally, a wooden statue of the saint exists in Venice at San Zaccaria.