Modestinus, Florentinus and Flavianus

Saints Modestinus, Florentinus and Flavianus are three Christian martyrs of Campania, Italy, martyred in 311. Their relics were re-discovered in 1167 by Gugliemo, bishop of Avellino.[1] Like others, they had taken refuge on Monte Vergine.[2]

Cappella di San Modestino, patrono di Avellino

Holweck considers the "acts of Modestinus" as "untrustworthy".[3] According to tradition, Bishop Modestinus, the priest Florentinus , and the deacon Flavianus were captured in Antioch in the persecution under Emperor Diocletian, but miraculously escaped the prison and fled to Calabria. They were re-captured near Locri, but after Modestinus had healed the Governor's daughter of a serious illness, they were freed and went to Pozzuoli. From there they went to Abellinum, where Modestinus converted many people before the three were arrested and executed.[4]

They are the patron saints of the city and diocese of Avellino, and of the city of Mercogliano.[5] They are also joint patron saints of the city of Locri and of the Diocese of Locri-Gerace in Calabria.

Avellino Cathedral is dedicated to Saint Modestinus.[1] His feast day is 14 February, the date of his death.[6] Florentinus and Flavianus, respectively deacon and priest, died on 15 February but are celebrated with Modestinus on 14 February.

There is a relic of Saint Modestinus at the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist (Savannah, Georgia).[6]

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