Ansovinus

Who was Ansovinus?

Saint Ansovinus was a bishop of Camerino. Born in Camerino, he may have been of Lombard origin, and was educated at the cathedral school of Pavia. He was a hermit at Castel Raimondo near Torcello.

Before being elected bishop of Camerino, he also served as a counselor to Louis II, Holy Roman Emperor. Ansovinus refused to accept this office until Louis was agreed that his see be kept exempt from the recruitment of the locals into the soldiery. During this time, bishops were often required to be responsible for recruiting men for the imperial army.

He was consecrated at Rome by Pope Leo IV, and returned to this city for the Council of Rome held by Pope Nicholas I in 861, where records show he signed as Ansuinus Camerinensis. His episcopate was characterized by his generosity to the poor and his pacification of the city's various factions.