In 1002, Alferius was named to head a delegation from his city to King Robert II of France.

Taking ill during the journey, he convalesced at the monastery of S. Michele della Chiusa.

Around 1020, he withdrew to the foot of Monte Finestra, southwest of Cava, where he lived a life of contemplation and prayer.

At the beginning of the 11th century, a nucleus of hermit monks, attracted by the famed saintliness of Alferius, joined him.

The first four abbots of Cava were officially recognized as saints on December 21, 1893, by Pope Leo XIII.