Saint Conus

Cono was a Benedictine monk. He was born in Diano (Italy) in the late 12th century, and became a monk in S.Maria di Cadossa Benedictine Monastery (now St. Cono sanctuary) near Montesano sulla Marcellana. He died very young in the early years of the 13th century with a reputation for holiness. When Cadossa monastery was closed his relics were returned to Diano in 1261, where he is venerated as its patron saint. There is a great sanctuary for him in Uruguay too.

The Saint was canonized on April 27, 1871 by Pope Pius IX. The feast is celebrated on June 3. Celebrations in his honor are celebrated in Florida (Uruguay),Teggiano, Buenos Aires, Brooklyn, San Mauro Pascoli, and San Cono di Cessaniti.

Saint Cono was an obscure saint from the hill town of Teggiano, near Salerno. Legend says that Cono was born with a cone shaped head, a symbol of the Trinity. He wanted to become a monk which was against his mother’s wishes that he marry a nice Italian girl and have some kids. Finally, she relented when she found Cono praying in a burning bread oven, unharmed by the heat and flames.

Emigrants from Teggiano went to Uruguay, Brazil, Argentina, and Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The small Italian community that still lives in the middle of Hipsterville, USA celebrates Saint Cono as a last remaining thread to Teggiano. Richardson Street between Lorimer and Union has the official second name “San Cono Strada” because his unofficial shrine remains there, in a private residence.

There are a lot of people in Williamsburg named Cono, and there used to be quite a few businesses with Cono in the name as well. 

You can have your own feast as well, and prepare this typical dish from Teggiano in honor of Saint Cono. (And if you want to sound like you’re from Teggiano, call them gavateel.)

Saint Cono is the saint to pray to for winning the Lottery.