Codice prodotto: L10339
Memorial Day: June 30
When did Saint Donatus live: 2nd - 3rd century AD
BIOGRAPHY:
According to tradition, Donatus was born in Rome towards the end of the 2nd century as the son of Faustus and Flaminia. He embarked on a military career in the Roman army and rose to lead a legion. During a campaign against Germanic tribes, his unit fell into a desperate situation: they were surrounded, and a lack of drinking water became life-threatening. While the pagan soldiers pleaded with their gods in vain, Donatus, a devout Christian, prayed to God. Thereupon, a massive storm with rain and lightning broke out, quenching the Romans' thirst while the storm drove the Germanic tribes to flight. In deep gratitude, Donatus vowed to serve only the Christian God and to remain celibate. When he later refused to marry Alexandria, the emperor's granddaughter, because of his vow, he was exposed as a Christian. Subsequently, he was sentenced to death and suffered martyrdom.
PATRONAGE:
St. Donatus is the patron saint against thunderstorms, lightning, hail, and the danger of fire, as well as of meteorology. He is especially venerated in the Eifel region and the Cologne area as a member of the "Legio fulminata" (the Thundering Legion).