Saint Zenobius (Part 1 of 2)

Over the centuries, Florence has venerated many saints.  Most of the saints lived in other places long ago.  A few visited Florence during their lives.

Florence has a few homegrown saints.  One is San Zanobi, or Saint Zenobius.  He is considered the father of the church in Florence.

Zenobius was born and died in Florence (337-417 A.D.).  He was a Roman Catholic priest and lived most of his life in Florence except when traveling on special missions for the Pope.  Apparently, he was a gifted preacher and converted many non-believers in Florence to Christianity, including his own parents.  He also preached against heretical beliefs.  Zenobius eventually became the bishop of Florence.  He is credited with solidifying Christianity in Florence. 

During his life, Zenobius is credited with performing many miracles, including raising several people from the dead, such as a boy who was run over and killed by a cart.  Following his death, he was buried in the church of Saint Laurence but a dozen years later on January 26, 429, his body was moved for reburial in the cathedral.  As the procession passed by a withered elm tree in front of the cathedral, another miracle occurred--the elm tree sprang back to life. 

As a homegrown saint, St. Zenobius has been adored by Florentines over the centuries and is still celebrated today.

In the square in front of the Florence cathedral is a tall pillar topped with a cross.  The monument is known as the Column of Saint Zenobius and marks the spot where the elm tree revived by St. Zenobius' body once stood.  The column is topped with a croce fiorita (or flowered cross).

The original croce fiorita has been moved indoors for conservation.

(In the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo)

Every January 26, Florence commemorates St. Zenobius and the miracle of the revived elm tree on the his body passed by the tree.  The event, known as the Fiorita di San Zanobi, is a traditional Florentine procession, complete with period costumes, drums and, of course, flags. Red and white flowers along with greenery are placed at the base of the column. 

La Fiorita di San Zanobi (January 26, 2017)

La Fiorita di San Zanobi (January 26, 2017)

La Fiorita di San Zanobi (January 26, 2017)

St. Zenobius is remembered in many medieval and Renaissance works of art. 

By Ridolfo del Ghirlandaio (in the Galleria dell'Accademia di Firenze)

(In the Galleria dell'Accademia di Firenze)

(Replica in the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo)

St. Zenobius and his deacons St. Crescentius and St. Eugenius (in the Florence Cathedral)

P.S.  In addition to works of art, St. Zenobius is also remembered with a bus stop named after him.  We go by the San Zanobi stop often.  We wonder if he would like having his name on a bus stop.