Sicilian Culture: Roman Catholic Patron Saint Ciro (Patron Saint of Sicily)

St. Ciro

Patron Saint of Sicily
Feast Day Celebrated on January 31

Born Circa 250 AD - - - Died 303 AD

Saint Ciro was born in Alexandria, Egypt. He earned the name of moneyless doctor because he used to heal everybody, above all the poor, without asking a payment in change. The doctor from Alexandria not only healed their body, but he took care of their soul first.
Ciro and his fellow John from Edessa showed an uncommon courage. The once went to Canopo, which a few miles from Alexandria, and brought comfort to Atanasia and her 3 daughters, Eudossia, Teodota and Teotiste, who had been caught by roman solders. They were tortured because they were Christians. They beaten, burnt and once their bodies were covered with sores, the torturers covered them with vinegar and salt to add to the excruciating pain. The tradition of Dimostranza tells us how Saint Ciro was plunged in the boiling pitch and how after surviving to this torture was beheaded this martyrdom took place on 31 January 303.

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