Feast-day: 2 June
When did Saint Erasmus live: in the third century
Biography of St. Erasmus:
Unfortunately little is known about the life of Erasmus. Erasmus came from Asia and was bishop of Antioch until he had to leave his diocese during the persecution of Christians. Apparently, he is said to have hidden in the mountains of Lebanon, where he was fed for seven years by a raven. After the appearance of an angel, he returned to his diocese. According to the legend, he has survived terrible tortures, such as the deveining. Finally, he moved to Formia (Italy), where he served as pastor. He died in the year 303.
Patronage: St. Erasmus is invoked for diseases of the intestines. He also considered patron saint of sailors, turners and shoemaker.
Statues and woodcarvings from Val Gardena of St. Erasmus - representation, imagery and emblem: St. Erasmus is shown with miter, crook and entrails