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Saint Prosper of Reggio
Saint Prosper of Reggio

Saint Prosper of Reggio

Feast Day
Jun 25, 2012
Patronage
Reggio-Italy, The Poor
<p>Saint Prosper of Reggio is an Italian saint, with little known about him.&nbsp; Tradition and documents attest that he was indeed the bishop of Reggio for 22 years in the fifth century.&nbsp; He is remembered for his strong sense of charity, and to this day &ndash; his Feast Day is celebrated in Reggio, Italy with large festivals and celebrations. &nbsp;</p> <p>His strongest following was up until the fourteenth century, before devotion to him has slowed down.&nbsp; He has 31 churches and chapels that are dedicated to him today in Parma, Bologna, Lucca and other cities surrounding Reggio, Italy &ndash; most being built in the Middle Ages. &nbsp; He personally built a church in San Prospero and it is dedicated to Saint Apollinaris.&nbsp; To this day in Reggio, they celebrate his feast locally on November 24<sup>th</sup>, but June 25<sup>th</sup> is his feast day on general liturgical calendars.&nbsp; Giovanni Soncini did a painting of St. Prosper and St. Bernard, and is the only known painting of him. &nbsp;</p> <p>In the tenth century, Reggio being vunerable to attacks from the sea, Bishop Ermenaldo transported Prosper&rsquo;s relics to the Cathedral of Santa Maria in the center of the city wihile the church dedicated to Prosper was being built.&nbsp; This was completed by his successor Tenzone.&nbsp; Pope Gregory V, consecrated the church in 997.&nbsp; In the 16<sup>th</sup> century the church was rebuilt, and Prosper&rsquo;s body lies under the great altar, even today. &nbsp;</p> <p>Saint Prosper was a very humble and charitable bishop, and the people of Reggio celebrate his life today &ndash; seeking his intercession and having festivals on his Feast Day.&nbsp; St. Prosper took Jesus litterally when Jesus said, &ldquo;Sell all that you own and distribute the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come follow me&rdquo;.&nbsp; Tradition holds that Prosper, a true follower of Jesus, took His command seriously. He distributed his goods to the poor and died after ruling as Bishop of Reggio, Emilia &ndash; Italy, for 22 years. &nbsp;</p> <p><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Practical Take Away</strong></span></p> <p>St. Prosper is a saint that shows us with his life and love for the church, that only by clearing ourselves of material things in this world, can we become Disciples of Christ.&nbsp; He sold his belongings and distributed it to the poor.&nbsp; His overwhelming gift of Charity was so prominent, that 17 centuries later &ndash; the faithful celebrate his Feast Day with festivals and celebrations!&nbsp; We too, as faithful, can impact those around us by our Charity of time, talent and treasures &ndash; as our means permit. &nbsp;</p>