Epiphany of Pavia

EPIFANIO di PAVIA. - Born in this city in
438 or 439, he entered the ecclesiastical career at a
very young age and, after the death of Bishop Crispino, was
elected bishop of Pavia while still young. He distinguished himself
by his great piety and gentleness of spirit, and devoted
all his efforts to securing peace among the last
representatives of the Empire. He intervened
to settle the disputes between Ricimero and Antemio,
Nepote and Enrico; he protected his city, then a most
important centre, from the ferocity of the barbarians of Odoacre
and Teodorico, especially when the city was devastated
by the Rugi. Sent by Teodorico on a mission, together
with Vittore di Torino, to Gondobaldo, king of Bur-
gundy, he obtained the release of more than 6,000 Italians.
He died in 496, Ennodio (v.) wrote his biography.

Giuliano Gennaro