Saint Renatus was a 5th-century bishop who served the Christian community in Sorrento, located near Naples. Historical records suggest he may have lived as a hermit in the surrounding hills before his leadership in the church. While some traditions attempt to merge his identity with a contemporary French bishop of the same name, he is primarily recognized as a significant figure in the early religious history of the Campania region.
Life and role
As the first bishop of Sorrento, Renatus played a foundational role in the local church. He is often associated with the ascetic tradition of hermits inhabiting the Sorrentine Peninsula. Although some later accounts link him to the bishopric of Angers, historical documentation regarding his specific biography remains limited and partially incomplete.
Veneration
His devotion spread across several locations, including Capua, Sarno, and Nola. In Sorrento, his place of prayer eventually became the site of the city's first cathedral. He is commemorated annually on October 6, and a dedicated chapel exists within the modern Duomo of Sorrento to honor him.