Saint of the Day – 9 December – Saint Syrus of Pavia (1st Century)

Saint of the Day – 9 December – Saint Syrus of Pavia (1st Century) the First Bishop og Pavia, Italy, Confessor, miracle-worker, Defender of the Faith, Evangeliser. His birthplace is unknown but he died at Pavia where his relics are enshrined in the City’s Cathedral. Also known as – Cyril, Siro. Patronages – the City and the Diocese of Pavia, Italy.

The Roman Martyrology states: “At Pavia, St Syrus, the first Bishop of that City, who was renowned for miracles and virtues worthy of an apostle.”

Nothing is known of St Syrus early life but some believe that he was the little boy with the five loaves and 2 fish, who appears in the Gospels.

Syrus is said to have followed Saint Peter to Rome and from there he was sent to the Po valley to preach and convert the people to the Christian faith. He preached in all of the major cities of northern Italy.

Another tradition, from the eighth century, states that Syrus was also a disciple of St Hermagoras, the first Bishop of Achilles, himself a disciple of St Mark the Evangelist.

In the company of St Juventius, Dyrus fought against Arianism. Syrus worked to challenge and convert those who followed Arianism in his Diocese.

Syrus’ relics are enshrined in the Chapel of Saint Syrus in the Pavia Cathedral on the facade of which the Statue below is displayed.