Saint Canius was a third-century bishop and hieromartyr born in Carthage. During the Diocletianic Persecution, he refused to worship idols or acknowledge the divinity of the emperor, leading to his imprisonment and torture. Despite these hardships, he continued to preach the Gospel, converting many followers through his endurance. After escaping execution during a violent storm and earthquake, he eventually settled in Atella to preach and live as a hermit, where he died in his old age.
Life and miracles
After escaping death, Canius traveled to Atella to spread his faith. While preaching there, several miracles were attributed to him, including the healing of a man suffering a heart attack, the restoration of sight to a blind woman, and the deliverance of a boy from demonic possession. He eventually retired to a hermitage to live out his final days.
Veneration and legacy
He is the patron saint of Acerenza and Calitri. His remains were moved to Acerenza around 800, and his crozier is still kept in the cathedral there. He is also honored in Sant'Arpino at the Romitorio di San Canione, an ancient oratory believed to have protected his body before it was moved. His feast day is observed on 25 May.