Saint Nicodemus of Mammola

Saint Nicodemus of Mammola, also known as Saint Nicodemus of Cirò, is venerated as a saint in Calabria. Tradition places his life around the tenth century, and he is remembered as one of the most important spiritual figures in the region.

Origins and early formation

His exact place of birth is not known with certainty. According to tradition, he was born in Ypsicron, identified with present-day Cirò.

His parents were named Theophanus and Pandia, and they entrusted his spiritual formation to a priest called Galato, or Galatone.

From an early age, Nicodemus was drawn to monastic life and wished to join the ascetics living in the region known as the Mercurion, in the mountains of Pollino.

Mercurion and Saint Fantinus

At first, the austere abbot Saint Fantinus refused to admit him, believing that the young Nicodemus would not be able to endure the rigours of monastic penance and mortification.

Later, however, he relented and welcomed him. In that remarkable monastic environment lived several holy figures, including Saint Nilus of Rossano.

The fame of the Calabrian monks for holiness and austerity grew so much that, according to tradition, they were also praised by Orestes, Patriarch of Jerusalem.

Mount Cellerano or Kellerana

Nicodemus later withdrew to Mount Cellerano, also called Kellerana, in the Locride area. That place remains deeply connected to his spiritual memory.

His reputation attracted other monks, and a new religious community formed around him.

From Gerace to Mammola

The community was threatened by Muslim raids, and Nicodemus moved first towards Gerace and later to Mammola, where a monastery was eventually established in connection with his memory.

He died at an advanced age on 25 March 990, leaving behind a profound legacy of faith and ascetic life.

Veneration in Mammola

After his death, miracles were reported at his tomb and Nicodemus came to be honoured as a saint.

In 1080, during the Norman period, the small oratory on the site was transformed into a larger church. The monastery of Mammola was also restored and received privileges and assets.

In 1580, the relics of Saint Nicodemus were translated to a new church in Mammola. In 1630 he was proclaimed patron of the town, and his feast day was fixed on 12 March.