Chiaffredo, also known by various names such as Chiaffredus, Theofredus, Ciafrè, Chaffre, Teofredo, Jafredo, Jafredus, Eufredus, Jofredus, Sinfredus, Zaffredus, is honored as the patron saint of Saluzzo, Italy. Traditionally associated with the Theban Legion, a deviation from the common narrative suggests that instead of facing martyrdom with the legion at Agaunum (present-day Switzerland), Chiaffredo managed to escape to Piedmont, where he eventually became a martyr.

 

According to a 14th-century account, around 522, an incident occurred near Crissolo where a man fell from a precipice but miraculously remained unharmed. The locals credited this miracle to relics discovered by a peasant plowing in the area, leading to the veneration of the mysterious skeleton named "San Ciafrè" and the establishment of a revered sanctuary at Crissolo.

 

Historical records indicate the presence of a cult devoted to Chiaffredo as early as 1387, marked by indulgences granted by Pope Clement VII to those visiting the church at Crissolo and aiding in its maintenance. A 16th-century legend, documented by Guglielmo Baldesano, narrates that Chiaffredo, a soldier of the Theban Legion, escaped to Piedmont to avoid idol worship and was martyred at Crissolo around 270. However, some scholars, like Fabio Arduino, question the historical accuracy of this narrative, pointing out the improbability of a Roman legionary from the 3rd century bearing a distinctly Germanic name. The name itself, a variant of Theudofridus, has roots in the Germanic words for "people" and "peace."

 

Chiaffredo's burial place, identified as a sepulcher, may have origins rooted in paganism. Similar to other local saints such as Constantius, Bessus, Tegulus, Magnus, and Dalmatius, whose cults were linked to the Theban Legion to impart antiquity to these saints with limited historical information.

 

In 1902, a scholar identified Chiaffredo as Theofredus, an 8th-century figure and abbot of Le Monastier near Puy-en-Velay, who was killed by Muslim raiders and also venerated in Piedmont. Tornabuoni, the bishop of Saluzzo, declared Chiaffredo the patron of his diocese in 1516, alongside Constantius. Chiaffredo's relics were translated to Revello in 1593 and later to the cathedral of Saluzzo in 1642, where he is depicted alongside Constantius in the altar.

 

Chiaffredo's veneration extended throughout Piedmont, and due to his purported Theban origins, he is venerated by the Coptic Church. Not explicitly mentioned in the Roman Martyrology, he shares a connection with Maurice and the Theban Legion without specific mention in the official martyrology. An English scholar noted that beneath the shadow of Monte Viso, Chiaffredo, the runaway apostle of the Theban legion, had seemingly replaced the worship once dedicated to the river-god Eridanus.