Feast of San Baccolo di Sorrento

San Baccolo di Sorrento, ora pro nobis

August 27th is the Feast of San Baccolo di Sorrento (St. Baculus), Bishop and Confessor. Though shrouded in mystery, we know San Baccolo was a seventh century Sorrentine nobleman who renounced his family’s wealth and privilege to devote his life to God. One of the many co-patrons of Naples, the great Saint is also the patron of Sorrento. Originally buried in a city wall for protection, the Bishop's relics were later interred beneath the altar in the Chiesa Santi Felice e Baccolo in Sorrento.

In celebration, I’m posting a prayer to St. Baculus. The accompanying photo of a copy of Luca Giordano's The Patron Saints of Naples Adoring Christ on the Cross hangs above the Padre Pio confessional at the National Centre for Padre Pio in Barto, Pennsylvania. St. Baculus is the shadowy figure standing behind the kneeling Santa Candida the Elder. Evviva San Baccolo Vescovo!

Prayer to St. Baculus

Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God, that the examples of St. Baculus of Sorrento may effectually move us to reform our lives; that while we celebrate his festival, we may also imitate his actions. Through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Look upon our Weakness, almighty God, and since the burden of our own deeds weighs heavily upon us, may the glorious intercession of St. Baculus protect us. Through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.