Saint Nicodemus of Mammola

Biography

Saint Nicodemus of Mammola, also known as Nicodemus of Cirò, Nicodemus of Cellerano, or Nicodemus of Kellerano, was born in the early 10th century in Cirò, Catanzaro, Italy. He was the son of Theophanes and Pandia. From a young age, Nicodemus was drawn to the monastic life and was educated by a local priest named Father Galatone, who was known for his learning and piety. Nicodemus's desire to join the monks at the San Mercurius abbey on Mount Pollino in the Calabria region of Italy was initially met with resistance. The abbot, Saint Fantinus, believed that Nicodemus's frail health would not withstand the harsh and ascetic lifestyle of the monks, who dressed in goat skins, went barefoot in all seasons, survived on chestnuts and lupins, and sought shelter in caves. However, Nicodemus's perseverance eventually convinced Fantinus to welcome him to the community. After some time, Nicodemus felt the need for greater solitude and withdrew to live as a hermit on Monte Cellerano in Locri, Italy. Despite his seclusion, his reputation for wisdom and piety attracted several spiritual students, and he organized them into a separate colony. However, the community became too well-known, attracting numerous visitors and incursions by Saracen invaders. As a result, the monks dispersed and found shelter in various monasteries. Nicodemus relocated first to a house in Gerace, Italy, and then to a monastery near Mammola, Italy, where he spent the remainder of his life. His reputation for holiness was so prominent that upon his death on 25 March 990, the monastery was renamed San Nicodemo in his honor. There is no specific representation associated with Saint Nicodemus of Mammola, and he belongs to the pre-congregation status. He is venerated on several feast days, including 25 March in the Roman Martyrology, 12 March in Mammola and the surrounding area, the Sunday after 12 May to commemorate the founding of the Monte Cellerano monastic community, and the first Sunday in September to celebrate the translation of his relics in 1501. After his passing, Nicodemus's remains were initially interred in a tomb in a small oratory at the monastery. The oratory was later rebuilt into a large church by the Normans in 1080. In 1580, his relics were transferred to the church of Mammola. The chapel in the city of Mammola was reconstructed and adorned in 1884, and the relics were surveyed and re-enshrined on 12 May 1922. Saint Nicodemus of Mammola is honored as the patron saint of Mammola, Italy, a title proclaimed in 1630. His life was marked by his unwavering dedication to the monastic life, his pursuit of wisdom and piety, and his ability to inspire and guide others in their spiritual journeys.