Saint of the Day – 11 August – St Equitius (Died c570) Abbot, Miracle-worker, a renowned Preacher and Evangeliser spreading the tenets and glory of monasticism, Founder of a Monastery. Equitius was born between 480 and 490 in the region of Valeria Suburbicaria (present-day L’Aquila-Rieti-Tivoli. Italy). He died at the Monastery of San Lorenzo di Pizzoli of natural causes. Also known as – Equizio.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “In the Province of Valeria, St Equitius, Abbot, whose sanctity is attested to by the blessed Pope Gregory.”
St Gregory the Great refers to Equitius in his Dialogues and states that Equitius was a follower of St Benedict of Nursia.
Equitius worked to spread monasticism in Italy and the West but remained a Friar and through humility was never Ordained as a Priest.
Pope Gregory writes that Equitius’ reputation for sanctity was such that the Saint by his own example drew many disciples to embrace the religious life as Monks. According to ancient testimonies, the Monks of Equitius gave two Pontiffs to the Church and numerous Bishops and Cardinals.
Extraordinary events are related regarding Equitius, such as the liberation from temptations by the work of an Angel and the prophetic unmasking of a certain ‘Basil the Magician.’
The Saint died in his Monastery of San Lorenzo di Pizzoli. After his death his unapproved order was absorbed by the Benedictines with which he had such affinity. His Feast is celebrated on 11 August and his remains rest in the Church of San Margherita all’Aquila, now of the Jesuits and known as San Margherita deL Gesu all’Aquila,
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