Sanctuary of Saints Eutropius, Zosimus, and Bonosa: A Journey of Faith, History, and Mystery on the Sacred Island

Nestled in the evocative setting of the Sacred Island, near Rome, once stood the Sanctuary dedicated to the martyr saints Eutropius, Zosimus, and Bonosa. A place steeped in history, faith, and legend, a witness to an era when Christianity was taking its first steps, a site that still invites reflection and discovery today.

The Origins of the Cult and the Martyrium

Unlike the imposing Roman basilicas, the original sanctuary followed an architectural model typical of the Middle East: the martyrium, i.e., the burial place of the saintly martyrs, was not a separate building but an integral part of the church itself. It is presumed that the saints’ bodies were kept in a mound decorated with celebratory inscriptions, dating back to the first half of the 5th century. This dating is also supported by the Martyrologium Hieronymianum, compiled between 431 and 450, which mentions the saints’ commemoration, providing a terminus ante quem for the attestation of the cult. Further confirmation comes from an epigraph dating to the pontificate of Sixtus III (432-440), found near the sanctuary.

Image of a possible hypothetical reconstruction of the Martyrium

Who were Saints Eutropius, Zosimus, and Bonosa?

Precise information about the life and martyrdom of these three saints is scarce, shrouded in the mists of time and pious legends. However, their veneration testifies to the deep faith of the early Christian communities. Considered Christian martyrs, their cult became deeply rooted in the area of Porto (present-day Fiumicino) during the first centuries of Christianity. Eutropius and Zosimus are names of Greek origin, while Bonosa is a Latin name, suggesting a composite Christian community.

Decline and Translation of the Relics

In the 9th century, the Porto area was devastated by looting and raids. With the transfer of the episcopal see to Tiber Island, the sanctuaries in the area fell into decline. It was during this period that the relics of Saints Eutropius, Zosimus, and Bonosa were translated and kept under the high altar of the church of San Lorenzo on the Sacred Island. The sanctuary dedicated to them, now dilapidated, was abandoned.

The Church of San Lorenzo on the Sacred Island, where the relics were kept.

A Journey to Chiaravalle and the Historical Error

The story of the relics of Saints Eutropius, Bonosa, and Zosimus continues in the 13th century. In 1227, by the will of Cardinal d’Urrach, Bishop of Porto, the relics were transferred to the Abbey of Chiaravalle. Thirty years later, in 1257, the monk Goffredo undertook a journey to Porto with the intention of gathering information about the saints’ lives. However, he discovered the existence of a church dedicated solely to Bonosa in Trastevere (demolished in 1888). Goffredo commissioned the rector of that church to write the history of the martyr, giving rise to a misunderstanding and an overlapping of identities between the saints (as reported by Josi in the “Bibliotheca Sanctorum”).

Ideas for an “Adventurous Research”

Although the original sanctuary of Saints Eutropius, Zosimus, and Bonosa no longer physically exists, its memory remains. Here are some ideas for an “adventurous journey” in the footsteps of the saints:

• Visit the Sacred Island: Explore the area of the Sacred Island, imagining the location of the original sanctuary and reflecting on the history of the place.
• Church of San Lorenzo on the Sacred Island: Visit the church where the relics were temporarily kept, looking for any traces or references to the saints.
• Archives and Libraries: Deepen historical research by consulting diocesan archives, specialized libraries, and ancient documents, searching for new information about the saints and their cult.
• The Abbey of Chiaravalle: Try to discover if the relics of the saints are still preserved in the Abbey of Chiaravalle and what their current status is.

A Place of Devotion and Reflection

The Sanctuary of Saints Eutropius, Zosimus, and Bonosa, although no longer physically present, remains a symbol of faith and an invitation to reflection. Their story, albeit fragmentary, reminds us of the importance of Christian witness and the strength of popular devotion. A place where history and faith intertwine, offering opportunities for a unique spiritual and cultural experience.