Himerius of Bosto

Who is Himerius of Bosto?

Saint Himerius of Bosto is venerated as a pilgrim and martyr. He is venerated in the province of Varese jointly with Gemolus, who was martyred with him..

A tradition from the eleventh century holds that Himerius and Gemolus were Nordic companions of a bishop who was traveling Ad Limina Apostolorum –that is, on a pilgrimage to the sepulchers of St. Peter and St. Paul at Rome, i.e., to the Basilica of St. Peter and to the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls.

Himerius and Gemolus were killed during an assault on the bishop's entourage at Valganna by a band of men from Uboldo or Seprio. Gemolus was buried at Ganna –where an abbey dedicated to him arose in 1095, built by Atto, Ardericus, Inghizo with the permission of Arnulf III, Archbishop of Milan.

Himerius, who escaped, eventually succumbed to his wounds at Varese, where he was buried in the church of San Michele at Bosto. The church was later named after him.