Saint Marcian of Tortona | First Bishop and Martyr | Feast Day March 6th | Saint Story for Kids
Today we remember Saint Marcian of Tortona, also known as Saint Marziano, whose feast day is celebrated on March 6. Saint Marcian is traditionally honoured as the first bishop of Tortona, a city in northern Italy. According to early Christian tradition, he helped bring the Gospel to the region during the 1st and 2nd centuries, when Christianity was still spreading across the Roman Empire. As a missionary bishop, Marcian worked to plant the seeds of the Christian faith, guiding believers and strengthening the early Church in the area. His dedication to Christ eventually led to persecution, and he is venerated as a martyr who gave his life for the faith. The witness of Saint Marcian reminds us of the courage of the early Christians who spread the Gospel despite great dangers. Through their sacrifice and faithfulness, Christianity continued to grow and reach new lands. Saint Marcian of Tortona, pray for us. Feast Day: March 6 First Bishop of Tortona Early Christian missionary and martyr
St Joseph's Corner
Marcian (Marciano, Marziano, Marcianus) of Tortona (died 117 or 120 AD) is a saint of Roman Catholic church. He is traditionally said to have been the first bishop of Tortona, in what is now north-western Italy, a post he held for forty-five years.
Legend
Tradition states that he was born to a pagan family but was converted by Barnabas and then confirmed in the Christian faith by Sirus (Siro), bishop of Pavia. Secundus of Asti is said to have met Marcian at Tortona, when the former was still a pagan. Secundus' meeting with Marcian influenced his decision to become a Christian. He is said to have been crucified for his Christianity.
There is some disagreement about the year of his death. Some sources say it occurred in 117, under Trajan, while others say it was under Hadrian in 120.
Historicity
Some people have argued that he is the same person as Marcian of Ravenna. Documents from the eighth century attest to his episcopate. Walafrid Strabo, in response to the construction of a church in honor of the saint, indicates that Marcian was the first bishop of the Tortonese community and a martyr. His relics, found on the left bank of the Scrivia in the fourth century by Innocent (Innocenzo), bishop of Brescia, can now be found in the cathedral of Tortona. A finger bone associated with the saint has been kept at Genola, of which he is also patron.
Veneration
He is the patron saint of Tortona. His feast day is March 6.