Their story
Adapted in modern English from Baring-Gould (1914) · original text below · little is known
Sabine (Savine), of Roman birth, was bishop of Piacenza and attended the councils of Nicæa and Aquileija. St. Gregory tells that when the Po flooded church lands, Sabine had his notary write a note commanding the river, in Christ's name, to return to its bed.
His deacon had refused to go and order the river back, thinking it a fool's errand. The note was thrown in, and the flood went down. He died on 11 December. He governed his diocese for forty-five years and was buried in the church of the Twelve Apostles, now called St. Savine.
Early life
The book says little or nothing about early life. This is how the account begins.
Thin entry · the 1914 book gives only 214 words. We have not filled the gap with invented detail.
S. Sabine or Savine, was of Roman origin; he was made Bishop of Piacenza in Italy, and was present at the great Council of Nicæa, and also at that of Aquileija. S. Gregory relates of him, that on one occasion the river Po had overflowed its banks, and was devastating the church lands. Then Sabine said to his deacon, "Go and say to the river, 'The Bishop commands thee to abate thy rage, and return into thy bed.'" But the deacon refused to go, thinking he was sent on a fool's errand.