Alferius

Alferius ST., flourished about the middle of the 11th century. A dangerous illness led him to embrace the ecclesiastical state; and he assumed the Benedictine habit at Cluny, under Odilo, about 991. His reputation for sanctity was such that Gaimarus III, prince of Salerno, sent for him to superintend the monasteries in that place. He afterwards retired to the side of Mount St. Elias, and thence to a solitary and dismal cavern, where he was followed by a number of persons. Out of these he chose twelve. The place of his retirerrieit was called the Cave, and became the site of the celebrated monastery Cenobium Cavanese. The saint died in 1050. See Bollandus, Jan. 17, Feb. 17, Mar. 14; Italia Sacra, 7, 367.