Constabilis

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Constabilis (San Costabile) lived around 1070–1124 and was an Italian Benedictine monk and abbot. Born in Tresino, Castellabate, to the noble Gentilcore family, he was entrusted to the abbey of Cava de’ Tirreni at age seven and joined the monastery, following the Benedictine Rule. He helped manage abbey affairs and, in 1118, was made coadjutor by Abbot Peter of Pappacarbone. He became abbot after Peter’s death in 1122.

Constabilis is remembered as the founder of Castellabate. He began building the Angel’s Castle on October 10, 1123, a project that gave the village its name, Castrum Abbatis, or “castle of the abbot.” He led the monastery with humility and cared for the monks’ needs. He died on February 17, 1124, at about age 53, and was buried in the church above the grotto of Arsicia. After his death, he is said to have appeared to his successors and became venerated as the protector of the abbey’s ships. He is the patron saint of Castellabate and of sailors; his feast day is February 17. His cult was officially confirmed in 1893 by Pope Leo XIII.