Nicodemus of Mammola facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Saint Nicodemus of Mammola |
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| Venerated in | Catholic Church |
| Feast | March 12, March 25 |
| Patronage | Mammola |
Saint Nicodemus of Mammola (also known as Saint Nicodemus of Cirò) was a holy man who lived a long time ago, from about 900 AD to March 25, 990 AD. He is honored as a saint in a region of Italy called Calabria.
We don't know his exact birthplace, but it's thought to be a place called Ypsicron, which is now known as Cirò. Nicodemus's parents were named Theophanus and Pandia. They made sure he received a good spiritual education from a priest named Galato. From a young age, Nicodemus was very interested in living a religious life, away from worldly things. He wanted to join a group of very devoted monks, called ascetics, who lived in a place called Mercurion in the mountains of Calabria.
At first, the leader of the monks, Saint Fantinus, didn't think Nicodemus was strong enough for their strict way of life. But Nicodemus was determined, and eventually, Saint Fantinus let him join. These monks in Calabria were known for being very holy and disciplined. Even the Patriarch of Jerusalem, Orestes, praised them!
A New Home for Monks
Later, Nicodemus moved to a mountain called Cellerano (now called San Nicodemo). His reputation for holiness grew, and soon, other monks came to join him, forming a new community. However, this area faced dangers from Muslim raids. Because of this, Nicodemus and his community had to move again. They first went to Gerace and then settled in Mammola. A monastery was later built there. Nicodemus lived to be very old, passing away on March 25, 990.
Honoring Saint Nicodemus
After Nicodemus died, people reported that miracles happened at his tomb. He was quickly seen as a saint. In 1080, during the time of the Normans, the small prayer building (called an oratory) where he was buried was made into a much bigger church. The monastery in Mammola was also rebuilt and given special rights and property.
In 1580, Nicodemus's relics (his remains) were moved to a new church in Mammola. In 1630, he was officially named the patron saint of the city of Mammola. A special day to celebrate him, called a feast day, was set for March 12.
