Saint of the Day for 25 February: Saint Gerlando of Agrigento
St. Gerlando of Agrigento: Life, Miracles and Patronage of the Holy Sicilian Bishop
Name
Saint Gerlando of Agrigento
Title
Bishop
Birth
c. 1030, Besançon, France
Death
Feb. 25, 1100, Agrigento
Recurrence
25 February
Martyrology
2004 edition
Prayer
O Saint Gerlando, who brought faith back to Agrigento, reopening the way of truth, grace and eternal salvation, as we honor you we invoke you and offer you our affectionate devotion. We beseech you to intercede with blessed Jesus and Most Holy Mary so that faith, virtue and grace may be revived in us too and we may share in the supernatural glory in which you are. Amen
Patron of
Agrigento, Porto Empedocle
Roman Martyrology
In Agrigento, St. Gerlando, bishop, who reordered his Church freed from the power of the Saracens.
The Saint and Mission
San Gerlando of Agrigento, the first bishop of the Sicilian city of Agrigento and its patron, embodies in an exemplary manner the concept of Christian mission through his life of service, evangelization and pastoral dedication. His figure, still venerated and remembered today, represents a bridge between the faith of the past and the spiritual aspirations of the present, showing how the path of a single man of faith can profoundly influence the spiritual history of a community. In the context of 11th century Sicily, San Gerlando stood out for his fervent commitment to evangelization and the building of a solid and cohesive Christian community. His mission was not limited only to the preaching of the Gospel, but extended to the pastoral care of his faithful, showing a love and dedication that went beyond simple duty. His ability to connect with people, listen to their needs and respond with compassion and effectiveness testifies to his deep understanding of the pastoral heart of Christian mission. Gerlando was also a builder, not only in a literal sense, through the founding of churches and the promotion of sacred art, but also in a spiritual sense, laying the foundations of an enduring faith that would sustain the community of Agrigento through the centuries. His vision of a living church, rooted in prayer and the Eucharist, continues to inspire the faithful, underlining the importance of sacramental life as a source of grace and communion with God. San Gerlando’s bond with the city of Agrigento and with its inhabitants it overcomes the temporal constraint, since its example of holy life and dedication to the Gospel remains a guide and model for all those who seek to live an authentic Christian life. His ability to face the challenges of his time with faith and courage also offers valuable lessons for the contemporary world, reminding us that the Christian mission requires resilience, patience and, above all, trust in divine providence. Saint Gerlando of Agrigento teaches us that true mission is achieved through a profound love for God and neighbor, manifested in daily service, pastoral care and fidelity to the apostolic tradition. His life is an invitation to rediscover the joy of the Gospel and to commit ourselves with renewed zeal to building the Kingdom of God, following his example of holiness, dedication and merciful love.
The Saint and Mercy
San Gerlando of Agrigento, venerated as the first bishop of this ancient Sicilian diocese, embodies the principle of Christian mercy in an exemplary way. Through his life and ministry, San Gerlando demonstrated how mercy is at the heart of the evangelical message and how it can be actively lived in the leadership of a community. Mercy, for San Gerlando, was not just an abstract concept, but a living reality that permeated every aspect of his episcopal service. He passionately dedicated himself to assisting the poor, the sick and all those who were on the margins of the society of his time. This attention for the most vulnerable is the most tangible manifestation of his understanding of mercy: a concrete love that becomes neighborly, that cares and that elevates. Furthermore, St. Gerland’s mercy was manifested through his commitment to peace and reconciliation within his community. In an era characterized by conflict and division, his work as a mediator and as a voice of compassion and reason highlights the power of mercy to overcome barriers and heal wounds, both personally and collectively. Saint Gerlando also exercised mercy through his dedication to the teaching and spiritual formation of his flock. Aware that true mercy includes guiding others towards a deeper relationship with God, he is committed to nurturing the life of faith of his faithful, encouraging them to live according to the values of the Gospel. His ability to lovingly transmit Christian doctrine reflects a profound understanding of mercy as the path to truth and salvation. The life of San Gerlando of Agrigento reminds us that mercy is fundamental for the life of the Church and for the testimony of the Gospel in the world. His spiritual legacy continues to inspire believers to live with mercy, following the example of Christ, the face of the Father’s mercy. Through the example of San Gerlando, we are invited to recognize mercy not only as an attribute of God, but as an active Christian commitment that calls us to be instruments of grace, peace and reconciliation in our time.
Hagiography
Bishop Gerlando is credited with the reorganization of the diocese of Agrigento after the long Muslim occupation that lasted from 829 to 1086. Appointed primicerius of the Schola cantorunt of the church of Mileto (Catanzaro) by the great count of Sicily Roger I of the Mtavilla, after the reconquest of Agrigento from Arab occupation and…