5th century

Saint Canion

Summary

An African bishop of the 5th century, Canion was banished by the Vandals and abandoned at sea with several companions. After landing in Campania, he became the bishop of Acerenza, where he exercised his ministry with virtue until his peaceful death. His body rests in Saint-Arpino, buried by his companion Elpidius.

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    5 reading sections

    SAINT CANION, BISHOP (5th century).

    Martyrdom 01 / 05

    Exile and persecution

    During the Vandal persecution, Bishop Canion and his companions were tortured and then abandoned at sea on an old ship departing from Carthage.

    Canion was one of those bishops who, during the Vandal per secution , after enduring various torments, were finally thrown into an old vessel and cast upon the sea to be carried at the mercy of the winds and waves. Having departed from the Carthagin ian shore, they landed on that of Campa nia. There, they spread out into various cities which took them as bishops. The companions of Saint Canion were Castrense, Priscus, Tammarus, Rosius, Heraclius, Secundinus, Adjutor, Marcus, Augustus, Elpidius, and Vendone. Canion governed the c hurch of Acerenza, and after showing all the virtues of an excellent pastor, he fell asleep peacefully in the Lord. Elpidius, bishop of S aint-Arpino , one of his companions in the persecution, buried him in his cathedral church, and his holy body is still surrounded there by the veneration of the people.

    Mission 02 / 05

    Arrival in Campania

    The exiles reach the coasts of Campania and disperse into various cities to exercise their episcopal ministry.

    *Proper of Algi ers.*

    Life 03 / 05

    Episcopate in Acerenza

    Canion becomes the bishop of Acerenza, where he distinguishes himself by his pastoral virtues before dying peacefully.

    Canion was one of those bishops who, during the persecution of the Vandals, after having endured various torments, were finally thrown into an old vessel and cast upon the sea to be carried at the mercy of the winds and waves. Having departed from the Carthaginian shore, they landed on that of Campania. There, they spread out into various cities which took them as bishops. The companions of Saint Canion were Castrense, Priscus, Tammare, Rosius, Heraclius, Secundinus, Adjutor, Marcus, Augustus, Elpidius, and Vendone. Canion governed the church of Acerenza, and after having shown all the virtues of an excellent pastor, he fell asleep peacefully in the Lord. Elpidius, bishop of Saint-Arpino, one of his companions in the persecution, buried him in his cathedral church, and his holy body is still surrounded there by the veneration of the people.

    Cult 04 / 05

    Burial and Cult

    Elpidius, Bishop of Saint-Arpino and companion in exile, buried Canion in his cathedral where his relics are still venerated.

    Canion was one of those bishops who, during the Vandal persecution, after having endured various torments, were finally thrown into an old vessel and cast out upon the sea to be carried at the mercy of the winds and waves. Having departed from the Carthaginian shore, they landed on that of Campania. There, they spread out into various cities which took them as bishops. The companions of Saint Canion were Castrense, Priscus, Tammaro, Rosius, Heraclius, Secundinus, Adjutor, Mark, Augustus, Elpidius, and Vendone. Canion governed the church of Acerenza, and after having shown all the virtues of an excellent pastor, he fell asleep peacefully in the Lord. Elpidius, Bishop of Saint-Arpino, one of his companions in the persecution, buried him in his cathedral church, and his holy body is still surrounded there by the veneration of the people.

    Source 05 / 05

    Liturgical source

    The text is taken from the Proper of Algiers.

    *Proper of Algiers.*

    Official source Les Petits Bollandistes, by Mgr Paul GUÉRIN, chamberlain to His Holiness Pius IX.

    Entities

    Narrative network

    The names, places, and concepts most present in the entry, weighted by centrality in the text.

    100 Saint Canion Saint 85 Acerenza Place 84 Saint Elpidius Saint 70 Campania Place 66 Sant'Arpino Place 63 Vandals other 60 Carthage Place 57 Saint Castrense Saint

    Frequently asked questions about Saint Canion

    Who was Saint Canion?

    An African bishop of the 5th century, Canion was banished by the Vandals and abandoned at sea with several companions. After landing in Campania, he became the bishop of Acerenza, where he exercised his ministry with virtue until his peaceful death. His body rests in Saint-Arpino, buried by his companion Elpidius.

    What is Saint Canion the patron saint of?

    Patronage of Saint Canion: Acerenza.

    Which saints were contemporaries of Saint Canion?

    Contemporaries include: Saint Augustine of Hippo, Saint Honoratus of Arles, Saint James of Tarentaise and Saint Jerome of Stridon.

    When did Saint Canion die?

    Saint Canion died around 500.

    Annexes & related entities

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    Key Events

    1. Persecution by the Vandals
    2. Forced exile on an old ship from Carthage
    3. Arrival in Campania
    4. Governance of the Church of Acerenza
    5. Peaceful death

    Patron of