Saint Aspren (also spelled Asprenas or Aspreno) is venerated as the first bishop of Naples, Italy, and is celebrated on August 3 in the Roman Catholic Church. He lived at the end of the 1st century and into the early 2nd century, with his episcopate lasting about 23 years.
Tradition holds that Aspren was a native of Naples in Campania. He became ill and was cured by St. Peter, who also baptized and consecrated him as bishop. Some accounts say he was converted by Peter himself, while others link his conversion to Candida the Elder, an older woman Peter had recently healed. Peter then commissioned Aspren to build the oratory of Santa Maria del Principio, which later became the basilica of Santa Restituta.
As bishop, Aspren was a vital link between the Church in Naples and the apostolic mission of St. Peter. He is remembered for preaching the Gospel, converting many to Christianity, and promoting acts of charity. His ministry helped establish the Christian community in Naples during a formative period of the Church’s history.
After his death, miracles were attributed to him, and his relics were initially kept in the oratory of Santa Maria del Principio. Later, Bishop John IV translated them to the basilica of Santa Restituta, where a chapel dedicated to him was built. A silver bust of Aspren remains in Naples Cathedral.
Patron of Naples and the Archdiocese of Naples; second among Naples’ patron saints (after St. Januarius).
Invoked against migraines and headaches; popular tradition even links his name to the word “aspirin.” The name “Aspren” was common in the Roman Republic and early Empire, lending credibility to his historical plausibility. The Marble Calendar of Naples records his existence and episcopate Wikipedia.
In summary: Saint Aspren represents the apostolic foundation of the Church in Naples, embodying the continuity of faith from the apostles to the present day. His story is both a local foundation myth and a symbol of early Christian perseverance.