Feast of Sant'Agnello di Napoli

Sant'Agnello di Napoli, ora pro nobis

December 14th is the Feast of Sant'Agnello di Napoli, miracle worker and patron of Naples. Born in 535, it is said his parents, Giovanna and Federico, were nobles from Siracusa, Sicily, and (according to some) distantly related to Santa Lucia. Having great difficulty conceiving a child the couple invoked the Madonna on the heights of Caponapoli, the site of the city's ancient acropolis. Grateful for granting their petition, the joyous parents fulfilled their votive promise and founded the Chiesa di Santa Maria Intercede at the location of the blessing. 

According to legend, Sant'Agnello was only 20-days-old when he first spoke; saying "Hail Mary" before a statue of the Blessed Mother. At the age of fifteen he chose the ascetic life of a hermit, living for several years in solitude, praying and meditating. During this period, he may have visited Guarcino in Lazio and the Sanctuary of Monte Sant'Angelo, an important destination for pilgrims in the Gargano region of Apulia. 

Drawn to his great reputation for holiness, exiled monks from Abitina persuaded Sant'Agnello to become their abbot at the monastery of San Gaudioso in Naples. With his inheritance he built a hospital, gave alms to the poor and worked tirelessly with the needy. His hagiography is replete with stories of healing miracles, as well as punishments meted out to those who are blasphemous and negligent with their veneration.

Sant'Agnello died on December 14, 596. His relics were enshrined in the Chiesa di Sant'Agnello Maggiore Caponapoli, formally Santa Maria Intercede, which was renamed in his honor. Seriously damaged by indiscriminate Allied bombings during WWII, the church finally reopened in 2011 after a long restoration. Fragments of the original Greek temple were unearthed and are now on display. Sadly, all that remains of the former church is the high altar, a Renaissance masterpiece by Girolamo Santacroce of Nola. 

One of the early co-patrons of Naples, Sant'Agnello's cult spread beyond the city and its environs to the neighboring areas of Sorrento, Frosinone and the Cilento, most notably the towns of Pisciotta and Rodio. During the High Middle Ages the Tuscan city of Lucca claimed him as one of their patrons and believe the Saint's body was translated to the Duomo di San Martino. Controversy surrounds its authenticity as both Lucca and the Duomo di San Gennaro in Naples claim to be in possession of his relics. In modern times his devotion was brought to the New World by Neapolitan immigrants.  

Sant'Agnello is typically depicted bearing the banner of the Cross in his right hand and the Holy Scriptures in his left. These emblems, symbolizing faith, redemption and truth, also represent his patronage of Naples and his protection against invaders. During the Longobard Siege of Naples in 581 he appeared before the Neapolitans, banner blazoning, giving them the fortitude to drive off the attackers. The Neapolitan victory was attributed to the Saint's intercession. The feat was repeated in 674 when Saracen raiders were put to flight after his apparition raised the standard of the cross.

In celebration, I'm posting a prayer to Sant'Agnello di Napoli. The accompanying photo, courtesy of Andrew Portelli, was taken at St. Lucy's Church in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Evviva Sant'Agnello di Napoli!

~ Giovanni di Napoli, December 13th, Feast of Santa Lucia

Prayer to Sant'Agnello di Napoli

Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God, that the examples of Sant'Agnello di Napoli may effectually move us to reform our lives; that while we celebrate his festival, we may also imitate his actions. Look upon our weakness, almighty God, and since the burden of our own deeds weighs heavily upon us, may the glorious intercession of Sant'Agnello protect us. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.