Feast day: May 9th
When did St. Beatus live: in the second century
Biography of St. Beatus:
Beatus was most probably born in Ireland or Scotland. He was baptized in England by St. Barnabas and later ordained priest by St. Peter the Apostle. Together with a companion called Achates, he evangelized the tribe of the Helvetii. He then retired to hermetic life and established himself in a cave in the mountains above Lake Thun in Switzerland where he spent the rest of his life. Nowadays, his cave is a famous pilgrim's destination. Often, he is referred to as the first apostle of Switzerland.
Patronage: St. Beatus is patron saint of Switzerland, against cancer and plague
Statues and wooden sculptures representing St. Beatus - portrayal, imagery and emblem: St. Beatus is shown as a hermit with simple gown, cross with little bell, rosary and a trunk at his feet as a symbol for his love of nature.