Saint Donatus of Zadar | |
---|---|
Bishop | |
Born | Jadera / Zara, Byzantine Empire (now Zadar, Croatia) |
Died | ~811 AD |
Venerated in | Roman Catholic Church |
Major shrine | Cathedral of St. Anastasia |
Feast | 25 February |
Patronage | Zadar |
Donatus (second half of 8th century Zadar – first half of 9th century), also called Donato of Zara, was a Dalmatian saint who became a bishop and a diplomat for the Dalmatian city-state of Zadar (Zara). His feast day is celebrated on 25 February.
Donatus is mentioned in Frankish annals from 805 as an ambassador of the Dalmatian cities to Charlemagne in Thionville. Donatus is credited for initiating either construction or expansion of the Church of the Holy Trinity. The church was completed in the beginning of the 9th century and in the 15th century. Its name was later changed by the Venetians to the Church of St. Donatus.[1]