Saint Bessus

Biography

Saint Bessus, also known as Besso or Besse, was a soldier of the Theban Legion and a devout convert to Christianity. He is revered as a martyr and is known for his miraculous healing abilities through prayer. Due to limited historical records from that period and the similarity of his name to other evangelists and pre-Christian gods in the region, Bessus has been surrounded by various folk tales, practices, and legends. Bessus dedicated his life to serving as a soldier in the Theban Legion, a renowned Roman legion composed of Christians from Egypt and the surrounding regions. It was during his time as a soldier that he encountered Christianity and experienced a spiritual awakening, ultimately embracing the faith. In the early fourth century, Emperor Maximian issued an edict requiring all soldiers to offer sacrifices to the Roman gods. This placed Christians, including Bessus and his fellow legionnaires, in a difficult position as they were committed to worshiping only the Christian God. The Theban Legion fervently refused to compromise their faith and publicly proclaimed their allegiance to Jesus Christ. As a result, they faced severe persecution and were sentenced to death. Bessus, however, managed to escape the massacre of the Theban Legion. It is believed that he fled to the mountainous region of Val Soana, where he became an evangelist, spreading the message of Christianity among the local populace. His devotion and commitment to the Christian faith were evident in his miraculous healing abilities, said to be achieved through prayer. As a representation of his previous vocation as a soldier, Saint Bessus is often depicted holding a banner adorned with the Mauritian Cross or a banner reading "ICTUS." Additionally, he is associated with symbols such as the palm of martyrdom, a spade, a shovel, and a helmet with ostrich feathers. Tragically, Saint Bessus met his martyrdom when he was thrown from Mount Fautenio in Campiglia Soana, Turin, Italy, around the year 286. The impact of his fall left an impression in the rock, which soon became a site of veneration. A shrine was erected in his honor at the place of his death. In the 9th century, the relics of Saint Bessus were transferred to Ozegna, where they were enshrined in a chapel known as the Beata Vergine del Convento e del Bosco. Later, they were relocated to the cathedral of Virea in Italy and placed in a sarcophagus. Currently, his relics rest in a side altar in the cathedral, alongside those of several other martyr saints. Although not officially canonized in the traditional sense, Saint Bessus is considered a saint of the Pre-Congregation era, recognized for his martyrdom and devotion to the Christian faith. He is acknowledged as the patron saint of soldiers and is also invoked for matters related to fertility. Additionally, he is venerated locally in Campiglia Soana, Italy, as well as in Cogne, Ivrea, and Valprato Soana, among other regions. Saint Bessus' life serves as an example of unwavering faith and dedication to the teachings of Christ, despite facing persecution and martyrdom. His miraculous healing powers have left a lasting impact on the spiritual beliefs and practices of the communities that continue to venerate him today.