| Saint Bernardo Tolomei | |
|---|---|
Blessed Bernardo Tolomei, by Stefano Bolognini |
|
| Born | 1272 Siena in Tuscany |
| Died | 1348 |
| Honored in | Roman Catholicism |
| Beatified | 1634 by Pope Urban VIII |
| Canonized | April 26, 2009, St. Peter's Square by Pope Benedict XVI |
| Feast | August 19 (Order of St. Benedict) |
Saint Bernardo Tolomei (1272–1348) was an Italian theologian, the founder of the Roman Catholic Congregation of the Blessed Virgin of Monte Oliveto. In the Roman Martyrology he is commemorated on August 20,[1] but in the Benedictine calendar his optional memorial is celebrated on the previous day.[2] Bernardo Tolomei was canonized by Pope Benedict XVI on Sunday, April 26, 2009.[3]
Giovanni Tolomei was born at Siena in Tuscany. He took the name of "Bernard" (in its Italian form Bernardo) out of admiration for the saintly Abbot of Clairvaux. He was educated by his uncle, Christopher Tolomeo, a Dominican, and desired to enter the religious life, but his father's opposition prevented him from doing so, and he continued his studies in secular surroundings. After a course in philosophy and mathematics he devoted himself to the study of civil and canon law, and of theology. For a time Bernardo served in the armies of Rudolph I of Germany.
The fame of his virtues soon attracted many visitors, and Bernardo was accused of heresy. He went to Avignon and cleared himself of this charge before Pope John XXII without difficulty. Upon his return he founded the congregation of the Blessed Virgin of Monte Oliveto (the Olivetans), giving it the Rule of St. Benedict. The purpose of the new religious institute was a special devotion to the Blessed Virgin. Guido, Bishop of Arezzo, within whose diocese the congregation was formed, confirmed its constitution in (1319), and many favours were granted by Popes John XXII, Clement VI (1344), and Gregory XI. Since the Benedictine rule did not prescribe the colour of monastic dress, the Olivetans wore white habits.[4]
Upon the appearance of the plague in the district of Arezzo, Bernardo and his monks devoted themselves to the care of the sick. Bernardo returned to his native Siena in 1348 along with other monks; it was thought that the Olivetan monks would be miraculously spared from the pestilence, but Bernardo was the first among them to fall ill and die from it. Other monks likewise succombed to the plague afterwards.[5]
His last days were depicted in a painting by the 18th century Italian painter Giuseppe Maria Crespi. His work was entitled: 'The Blessed Bernard Tolomei Interceding for the Cessation of the Plague in Siena' (1735).[6]
After having ruled the religious body he had founded for 27 years Bernardo died, at the age of 76. In 1634 he was beatified by the Congregation of Rites, but was often referred to as Saint Bernardo even before his canonization in 2009.
This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Herbermann, Charles, ed (1913). "Olivetans". Catholic Encyclopedia. Robert Appleton Company.