Torquatus of Acci

Saint Torquatus is venerated as the patron saint of Guadix, Spain and San Trocado, Allariz. Tradition makes him a Christian missionary of the 1st century, during the Apostolic Age. He evangelized the town of Acci, identified as Guadix, and became its first bishop.

He is one of the group of Seven Apostolic Men (siete varones apostólicos), seven Christian clerics ordained in Rome by Saints Peter and Paul and sent to evangelize Hispania. Besides Torquatus, this group includes Sts. Hesychius, Caecilius, Ctesiphon, Euphrasius, Indaletius, and Secundius (Isicio/Hesiquio, Cecilio, Tesifonte, Eufrasio, Indalecio y Segundo).

It is not certain whether Torquatus was a martyr or confessor of the faith.

Veneration The Gate of Saint Torquatus (Puerta de San Torcuato) in Guadix. Torquatus' relics were rediscovered in the 8th century during the Moorish invasion of Spain, in a church built in his honor, near the Limia River. Torquatus’ relics remained for a long time in the Visigothic church of Santa Comba de Bande (Ourense) (Santa Comba de Baños).

In the 10th century, Torquatus' relics were translated to San Salvador de Celanova (in Celanova, Ourense). that Torquatus may be a Christian version of the Celtic god Bandua.