Saint Secundus or Secundius (Spanish: San Segundo) is venerated as a Christian missionary and martyr of the 1st century, during the Apostolic Age. He evangelized the town of Abula, which has been identified as either Abla[1][2] or Ávila, and became its first bishop.

Saint Secundus of Abla
Tomb of Saint Secundus (San Segundo). Hermitage of San Segundo, Ávila.
Martyr
Died1st century
Abula, Spain
Venerated inCatholic Church, Eastern Orthodox Church
Major shrineHermitage of San Segundo, Ávila
FeastMay 15; May 2
Attributesepiscopal attire
PatronageAbla, Spain; Ávila, Spain

The ancient town of Abula is mentioned by Ptolemy in his Geographia (II 6, 60) as located in the Iberian region of Bastetania.[3] It is said to be one of the first cities in Hispania that was Christianized, specifically by Secundus.[3] Ávila may have been the ancient Obila and Abula may have been the present town of Abla.[3]

Secundus is one of the group of Seven Apostolic Men (siete varones apostólicos), Christian clerics ordained in Rome by Saints Peter and Paul and sent to evangelize Spain. Beside Secundius, this group includes Saints Hesychius, Caecilius, Torquatus, Euphrasius, Indaletius, and Ctesiphon.

References edit

  1. ^ Annuario Pontificio 2013 (Libreria Editrice Vaticana 2013 ISBN 978-88-209-9070-1), p. 822
  2. ^ Diputación de Almería: "El Cristianismo"
  3. ^ a b c Avitiano (December 23, 2008). "Abulenses". Centro de estudios abulenses. Retrieved February 20, 2009.

External links edit