Saint Frigidian of Lucca

Also known as: Frediano of Lucca
Frigdianus of Lucca
Memorial: 18 March
formerly March 15
Profile: Sometimes confused with Saint Finnian of Moville. Son of King Ultach of Ulster. Educated in Irish monasteries. Priest. After a pilgrimage to Rome, he settled as a hermit on Mount Pisano. Bishop of Lucca in 566, though he often left the city to spend days in prayer and solitude. Formed the clergy of his see into a community of canons regular. Rebuilt the cathedral after it was burned by the Lombards.

The River Serchio frequently flooded the town of Lucca. Legend says that when the citizens called on Frigidian for aid, he asked for a rake or hoe, prayed over, ordered the river to follow him, then dug new, safe course for the river by dragging it through the dirt.
Born: in Ireland
Died: 18 March 588
Representation: bishop hoeing a piece of ground
bishop raking a piece of ground
bishop with a crown at his feet
changing the course of the Serchio River
walking in procession as the Volto Santo crucifix is brought to Lucca on an ox cart
Additional Information: Book of Saints, by the Monks of Ramsgate
For All The Saints, by Katherine Rabenstein
Our Sunday Visitor's Encyclopedia of Saints, by Matthew Bunson, Margaret Bunson, and Stephen Bunson
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