Saint Lucius di Cavargna Cheese Maker Patron lived in XII, XIII century.

Lucio was a shepherd and cheesemaker under a master. He was generous to the poor, sharing or giving away cheese made from his work.

His master grew envious of his generosity or suspected him of wrongdoing. As a consequence Lucio was murdered (various versions: stabbed by the master; thrown in a boiling vat; or decapitated) near the border pass between Val Cavargna (Italy) and Val Colla (Switzerland).

The place of his death became sanctified: the alpine pass now known as the Passo di San Lucio (1 541 m) sits between Val Cavargna and Val Colla.

Miraculous attributes: in folk tradition the waters near the site turn red on his feast day; the cheese multiplies; he watches over cheesemakers, alpine dairymen, pastures.