A Shepherd in the Service of Unity

Germanus was appointed Bishop of Capua around the year 519, but before that date, his life remains largely shrouded in obscurity. The only information about his origins comes from a hagiographic source of the ninth century, considered late and unreliable. According to this account, Germanus was born in the city of Capua between 470 and 480, to parents of high social rank, Amanzio and Giuliana. After his father’s death, and with his mother’s consent, he decided to sell the family’s possessions in order to devote himself entirely to an ascetic life and the study of the Scriptures. Upon the death of Bishop Alexander, the Capuan community elected him as successor, and only after much insistence did he accept the office.