Rufinus of Assisi was a presbyter and the inaugural bishop of Assisi, serving as a key figure in the city's early Christian conversion. Originally from Amasya in Anatolia, he traveled to Italy alongside his son to spread the Gospel. His life and death are documented through legendary accounts, including an eleventh-century sermon by Peter Damian. He is recognized as a martyr, having been executed by a Roman proconsul named Aspasius.
Life and death
According to tradition, Rufinus was arrested and tortured by the proconsul Aspasius. He was eventually drowned in the Chiascio River near Costano. Following his death, his body was retrieved and buried at the site of his martyrdom. Later, during the eighth century, his remains were moved to Assisi, where they were placed in a sculpted Roman sarcophagus located beneath the main altar of the cathedral built in his honor.
Veneration and legacy
As the patron saint of Assisi, Rufinus is honored through various traditions. His feast days are observed on July 30 and August 11. In Assisi, the community celebrates the Palio of St. Rufinus during the final week of August. This historic event features a medieval crossbow competition between three local districts, known as the Terzieri, to determine the winner of a ceremonial pennant.