Saint Maximus of Aquila | |
Death Date: | ~250 AD |
Feast Day: | June 10 |
Venerated In: | Roman Catholic Church |
Patronage: | L'Aquila |
Saint Maximus of Aveia (d. ca. 250 AD) (sometimes also known as Saint Maximus of Aquila) is one of the patron saints of L'Aquila, Italy.
He was born in Aveia, currently known as Fossa. As a deacon, he was martyred for his faith. Tradition says that he was tortured and then thrown over a cliff near his native city. This occurred during the persecutions of the Roman Emperor Decius.
In 1256, the episcopal seat of Aveia was moved to L'Aquila, together with the relics of Maximus.The newly built cathedral of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of L'Aquila was dedicated in his name and that of Saint George, another martyr.