Torquatus of Acci was a first-century Christian missionary and the inaugural bishop of Acci, a location known today as Guadix. According to tradition, he was one of the Seven Apostolic Men and received ordination from the apostles Peter and Paul. He is recognized as a saint within the Catholic and Orthodox traditions. While his specific status as either a martyr or a confessor remains unclear, his historical legacy is tied to the early evangelization of the region.
Life and ministry
As an early missionary, Torquatus worked to spread Christianity in the area of Acci. He served as the first bishop of this community. His religious work is deeply connected to the apostolic era, as he is believed to have been commissioned by Peter and Paul to establish the faith in his territory.
Relics and veneration
His remains were discovered near the Limia River and were later transferred to Galicia. After being held at Santa Comba de Bande, the relics were moved to Celanova during the 10th century. Following a distribution in 1592, some pieces were sent to Granada in 1627. Today, the cathedral in Guadix houses his jawbone and arm, while a calcaneus is also kept there.