Tammaro

Who they were

Tammaro was a priest of North Africa who, after the Vandal king Genseric's persecution of orthodox clergy, was put to sea on a drifting ship with companions and, after threats and torment, washed up on the coast of Campania. While some of his companions scattered to preach across southern Italy, Tammaro settled as a hermit near Capua, and his reputation for holiness and wisdom led the clergy and people of Benevento to acclaim him their bishop, probably around the middle of the 5th century.

He governed the diocese of Benevento into old age, caring for the poor and consolidating the faith in a land still scarred by barbarian invasion, and died around 490. He was buried with honour in Benevento cathedral, and his relics, later placed in a marble ark, survived even the bombing of the Second World War undamaged. His veneration flourishes especially at Grumo Nevano (Caserta), where he has been venerated as principal patron since 1677.

The miracles

There was never a formal cause: he has been honoured as a saint since before the Church's formal processes began.

Why that counted as sanctity

North African refugee priest who became bishop of Benevento after the Vandal persecution, caring for the poor and rebuilding the faith after the barbarian invasions.