Sant'Oronzo protector of the city of Lecce and the miraculous bust

Sant'Oronzo was a Christian saint who lived in the 250rd century AD His precise origins are not known for certain, but he is thought to have been born in Greece and most likely lived in Turkey. Throughout his life, Saint Oronzo dedicated himself to promoting Christianity and caring for the sick and poor. He was martyred around XNUMX AD under the reign of Emperor Decius.

How the bust became part of history

What we want to talk to you about today is the legend tied to his bust, because thanks to this the saint became part of history and inspiration for many faithful.

According to legend, the bust was made by order of the emperor Constantine the Great, who had had a vision of the saint in which he asked him to have that statue made. The bust depicts the apostle with a very thick beard, the crown of thorns on his head and a red mantle.

Once finished it was entrusted to the monks who had settled in Lecce for the care of the territory and of souls. But the true legend of the bust is linked to the prodigy that took place on the night between 25 and 26 August 1656.

On that night, the city of Lecce was threatened by the advance of the Ottoman troops and the people of Lecce were desperate and frightened. It was then that the miracle occurred. The bust of the saint came to life and began to speak, exhorting the citizens not to fear and to resist the siege. The saint's presence became almost earthly and the frightened Ottoman troops retreated without a fight.

Since then the bust of Sant'Oronzo became an object of veneration by the people of Lecce, who consider it a protector and an intercessor in times of trouble. There Basilica of Santa Croce, where it is kept, has become an important center of worship and a place of pilgrimage for the faithful. Every year the feast of Sant'Oronzo, which is celebrated on August 26th, attracts thousands of people to Lecce, who take part in the procession of the saint and in the religious celebrations.