Proculus of Bologna


Saint Proculus of Bologna or Saint Proculus the Soldier is an Italian saint. He is said to have been a Roman officer who was martyred at Bologna under Diocletian.

Traditional Narrative

Saint Proculus is the military patron of Bologna. In the time of the Diocletian, one Marinus was sent to Bologna to enforce the emperor's edict. Incensed by Marinus' cruelty, Proculus went to Marinus' house and killed him with an axe. The Bolognese have held Proculus in veneration from very ancient times. His remains are preserved in the church of San Procolo in Bologna.