Saint Cataldo is the bishop and patron of the diocese of Taranto, and was born in Rachau in Ireland in about 610/620. From his parents he received a deep Christian education: upon their death he donated his entire inheritance to the poor.
He was consecrated bishop of Rachau in 670, after the death of the Duke of Desii, who, due to the miracles performed by Cataldo, ended up accusing the saint of witchcraft.
In 679 he went on a pilgrimage to Palestine; on his return he was shipwrecked on the coast of Salento and, having gone to Taranto, he performed several miracles. He was elected bishop of the city and remained there until his death.
His birth was accompanied by a luminous prodigy that enveloped his father's house, while on the Holy Sepulchre he insistently heard an interior voice telling him: "Go to Italy. Taranto awaits you."
When he feels death is near, he urges his clergy to support the people in their faith because they will have to face a great persecution.
Having received the last sacraments, he serenely surrenders his soul to God. All the bells in the city begin to ring spontaneously.
Upon the news of his death, the people cried universally: Cataldo was buried in the cathedral. It was destroyed by the Saracens in 927; when, on May 10, 1087, work was underway to build a new one, his tomb was found: the body of the Saint, on whose chest was placed a golden cross with his name engraved, emanated a sweet perfume.
The tomb is now preserved in the cathedral of Taranto, in the chapel called “Il Cappellone”.
Hot Pepper Taralli
Leave a comment