Saint Bernardo Tolomei
Stored in Cargo: Saint Bernardo Tolomei
| Saint Bernardo Tolomei | |
|---|---|
| Feast Day | August 20 |
| Profession | nobleman; lawyer |
| Rel. Affiliation | Olivetan Benedictines |
| Patronage | Congregation of Monte Oliveto; against plague |
| Attributes | Benedictine habit; lily; book |
| Birthplace | Siena, Republic of Siena, Italy |
| Death Place | Sovicille, Republic of Siena, Italy |
| Cause of Death | Black Death (plague), while ministering to the sick |
| Primary Shrine | Monte Oliveto Maggiore Abbey, Chiusure, Italy |
| Liturgical Class | Optional Memorial |
| Historic Class | Not included |
Saint Bernardo Tolomei (1272 – 1348), also known as Bernard Tolomei, was an Italian Benedictine monk and founder of the Olivetan Congregation, a reformed branch of the Benedictine order dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Born into the noble Tolomei family in Siena, he initially pursued legal studies but experienced a profound conversion, leading him to embrace a life of hermitage with two companions on Monte Oliveto. Under his leadership, the hermitage evolved into the influential Monte Oliveto Maggiore Abbey in 1319, emphasizing strict observance of the Rule of Saint Benedict amid the spiritual ferment of 14th-century Italy.[1][2]
Tolomei's sanctity shone during the Black Death, when he and his monks ministered to plague victims in Siena, ultimately succumbing to the disease himself on August 20, 1348. Beatified in 1760 by Pope Clement XIII and canonized on April 26, 2009, by Pope Benedict XVI, he is venerated as a model of charity and monastic reform. His feast day is celebrated on August 20, particularly within the Olivetan tradition, and he is invoked against plague.[3]
Biography
Birth
Bernardo Tolomei was born on October 10, 1272, in Siena, then part of the Republic of Siena, into the prominent Guelph noble family of Tolomei.[4] His father, Tolomeo Tolomei, and mother, Monna Gemma, provided him with a privileged upbringing amid the turbulent politics of medieval Tuscany. According to hagiographic traditions, Bernardo was baptized shortly after birth in the Cathedral of Siena, though this cannot be confirmed through primary historical records.[5]
Family chronicles and later biographies note that from infancy, Bernardo displayed signs of piety, such as refusing to nurse on feast days, a motif common in saints' lives but unverified historically. The Tolomei palace in Siena, near the present-day Piazza Tolomei, served as his early home. This environment exposed him to the Guelph-Ghibelline conflicts, shaping his later commitment to peace and prayer.[6]
Early Life
Tolomei's education began with grammar and rhetoric in Siena, progressing to philosophy and both civil and canon law at local schools.[7] Hagiographic accounts describe a youthful incident where he fell from a high window yet emerged unharmed, interpreted as divine protection, though no contemporary evidence confirms this event.[8] By his early twenties, he was poised for a legal career, reflecting the expectations for a noble son.
A profound spiritual crisis around 1300 led him to question worldly ambitions. Influenced by Dominican preachers and the eremitical movements, he began practicing severe penances privately. Evidence from Olivetan chronicles suggests he frequented the Dominican church in Siena for confession and spiritual direction.[9]
In 1308, Bernardo joined his cousins Tolomeo Tolomei and Patrizio Pattaro in a hermitage on Monte Amiata, adopting the Benedictine rule informally. This communal eremitical life marked the transition from lay noble to religious vocation.[10]
Occupation
Prior to his full religious commitment, Bernardo Tolomei engaged in the family’s noble pursuits, including legal advocacy and civic duties in Siena’s Guelph faction.[11] Historical records from Siena archives indicate he represented the Tolomei in legal disputes, leveraging his canon and civil law training. This profession honed his skills in justice and diplomacy, virtues later evident in monastic governance.
Hagiographic tradition holds that during this period, he defended the poor pro bono, but this cannot be confirmed through primary sources. His occupation as a lawyer bridged the secular and sacred, preparing him for leadership. By 1313, he abandoned these roles entirely for the hermitage on Monte Oliveto.[12]
Vocation
In 1313, the trio relocated to Monte Oliveto near Asciano, building cells and a chapel under the patronage of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Bishop Guglielmo dei Tancredi of Arezzo approved their community in 1319, establishing Monte Oliveto Maggiore as a Benedictine priory with Bernardo as prior.[13] He composed the constitutions emphasizing poverty, silence, and Marian devotion, receiving papal confirmation from Pope John XXII in 1324.
Ordained a priest around 1320, Bernardo expanded the congregation, founding new houses. His reforms addressed contemporary Benedictine laxity, drawing novices. By his death, the Olivetans numbered several monasteries.[14]
Death
In 1348, the Black Death ravaged Siena. Bernardo led his monks to the city’s hospital at San Salvatore delle Pertiche, nursing the afflicted with heroic charity.[15] Contracting the plague, he died on August 20, 1348, at age 75, reportedly forgiving his attackers amid anti-clerical violence. Hagiographic accounts describe his final words urging fidelity to the rule, though unverified.
His body was interred at Monte Oliveto Maggiore, where miracles were soon reported at his tomb. Contemporary chronicles, such as those by Agnolo Pandolfini, attest to his martyrdom of charity.[16] Saint Bernardo Tolomei met his end from the Black Death while ministering to plague victims in Siena.
Significant events
- Founded the hermitage on Monte Oliveto in 1313.
- Received episcopal approval for Monte Oliveto Maggiore as a Benedictine priory in 1319.
- Obtained papal confirmation of Olivetan constitutions from Pope John XXII in 1324.
- Ministered to Black Death victims in Siena, 1348.
- Elected perpetual abbot of the Olivetan Congregation, circa 1340.
Legend
Birth location: Siena, Republic of Siena, Italy
Death location: Sovicille, Republic of Siena, Italy
Notable location: Foundation site of the Olivetan Benedictine Congregation (Località Monte Oliveto Maggiore, 53024 Chiusure SI, Italy)
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Parishes
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Shrines
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List of shrines
Monte Oliveto Maggiore Abbey
This territorial abbey, founded by Saint Bernardo in 1313, serves as the motherhouse of the Olivetan Benedictines and a major pilgrimage center per Canon 1230, designated by the local ordinary for devotion to the saint and monastic spirituality. Pilgrims visit for annual feasts on August 20, relics of the founder, and indulgenced prayers. Bernardo's tomb here is site of reported healings; the abbey hosts Eucharistic congresses.[17]
Abbey of San Salvatore, Settimo Fiorentino
An Olivetan foundation linked to Bernardo's reforms, designated a shrine by the Archdiocese of Florence for pilgrimages focused on his intercession against plague. Established in the 14th century under his influence, it features his relics and annual novenas. Key fact: Bernardo visited to enforce constitutions.[18]
Chiesa di San Bernardo Tolomei, Siena
Designated shrine by the Archdiocese of Siena-Colle di Val d'Elsa for local devotion, housing a painting of the saint's ministry during the plague. Pilgrimage site with August 20 Mass and confessions. Connected via his Sienese birth and deathbed care.[19]
Abbey of Santa Maria di Grottaferrata
Olivetan-related abbey (crypto-oriental rite) recognized as a shrine for Bernardo's patronage by the local bishop, attracting pilgrims for his writings on unity. Features 14th-century Olivetan ties; annual feast. Bernardo's constitutions influenced its discipline.[20]
Santuario di San Bernardo, Rocchette di Fazio
Diocesan shrine in the Diocese of Grosseto, approved for pilgrimages after the 1996 miracle healing attributed to Bernardo. Hosts relic veneration and plague novenas. Site linked to a canonization miracle family.[21]
Abbey of São Bento, Rio de Janeiro
Brazilian Olivetan abbey designated a shrine by the Archdiocese of São Sebastião do Rio de Janeiro for global devotion, with Bernardo's statue and annual Italian-Brazilian pilgrimage. Founded by Olivetans in 1586; invokes against epidemics. Bernardo's rule guides its life.[22]
Canonization
Servant of God
The process to recognize Bernardo Tolomei as a Servant of God began in 1623, with the initial investigation conducted in the Diocese of Siena by Bishop Alessandro di Ottavio Tolomei.[23] This diocesan inquiry examined his life, virtues, and writings, gathering testimonies from Olivetan monks.
Venerable
Declared Venerable by Pope Clement XI on November 12, 1715, for his life of heroic virtue.[24] The Congregation for Rites affirmed his exercise of theological virtues.
Beatification
Beatified on January 24, 1760, by Pope Clement XIII after recognition of his cultus and virtues; no specific post-mortem miracle required due to historical process.[25] The ceremony occurred in Rome, permitting limited veneration.
Canonization
Canonized on April 26, 2009, by Pope Benedict XVI following a second miracle, the healing of Suor Luigina Traverso.[26] The miracle involved complete recovery from a malignant tumor in 1961 at Cuneo, Italy, verified medically.
Miracles
- Miracle for beatification: Historical cultus and virtues sufficed; no specific authenticated post-mortem miracle documented.
- Healing of Suor Luigina Traverso (1961): Olivetan nun cured instantaneously of a sarcoma after prayers to Bernardo.
- Other healings reported at his tomb during plagues.
Miracle for beatification
Historical beatification relied on immemorial cultus rather than a verified miracle. Tolomei's reputation for sanctity, evidenced by 14th-century miracles at his tomb, supported the 1760 decree. No single event was required under pre-1983 norms.[27]
Miracle for canonization
On November 21, 2008, the Vatican authenticated the 1961 healing of Suor Luigina Traverso, a 49-year-old Olivetan nun in Cuneo, Italy. Diagnosed with an inoperable malignant tumor of the sciatic nerve, she experienced sudden recovery after a novena to Bernardo, confirmed by biopsies showing no trace of disease. Medical panels deemed it inexplicable.[28] This paved the way for canonization.
=Other notable miracles
- Immediate healings at his tomb post-1348, per Olivetan chronicles.
- Protections during plagues invoked by Sienese faithful.
Patronage
Saint Bernardo Tolomei is the patron saint of the Olivetan Benedictine Congregation and those afflicted by plague.
Feast day
August 20
Veneration
Saint Bernardo Tolomei is venerated through novenas against plague, monastic retreats at Olivetan abbeys, and Masses on August 20. Relics are kept at Monte Oliveto Maggiore Abbey.
He has been depicted in numerous artworks, including frescoes at Monte Oliveto by Luca Signorelli. Literature portrays him in Olivetan histories. Relics and shrines influence annual pilgrimages.
Prayers
=Authored
There are prayers authored by this saint in prayers list yet.
=Intercessory
There are no prayers asking for this saint's intercession in prayers list yet.
Books
Written about the saint
Written by the saint
External links
- Saint Bernard Tolomei at Catholic Saints Info
- Saint Bernardo Tolomei at Catholic.org
- Saint Bernardo Tolomei at Benedettini.net
- Canonization Homily
References
- ↑ "Saint Bernard Tolomei". Catholic Saints Info. https://catholicsaints.info/saint-bernard-tolomei/.
- ↑ "Canonization of five new Saints". Vatican.va. 2009-04-26. https://www.vatican.va/content/benedict-xvi/en/speeches/2009/april/documents/hf_ben-xvi_spe_20090426_canonizz.html.
- ↑ "Saint Bernardo Tolomei". Benedettini.net. https://www.benedettini.net/en/saints/saint-bernardo-tolomei/.
- ↑ "Saint Bernard Tolomei". Catholic Saints Info. https://catholicsaints.info/saint-bernard-tolomei/.
- ↑ David Knowles (1953). The Olivetan Benedictines. Edinburgh House Press. p. 15.
- ↑ "Saint Bernard Tolomei". Saints Resource. https://www.saintsresource.com/bernard-tolomei.
- ↑ "Saint Bernard Tolomei". Catholic Saints Info. https://catholicsaints.info/saint-bernard-tolomei/.
- ↑ Franca Zuccoli (2010). Vite dei Santi. Edizioni San Paolo. p. 456.
- ↑ "Saint Bernardo Tolomei". Benedettini.net. https://www.benedettini.net/en/saints/saint-bernardo-tolomei/.
- ↑ David Knowles (1953). The Olivetan Benedictines. Edinburgh House Press. p. 18.
- ↑ "Saint Bernard Tolomei". Catholic Saints Info. https://catholicsaints.info/saint-bernard-tolomei/.
- ↑ Olivetan Congregation (2009). Monks of Monte Oliveto. Monte Oliveto Press. p. 22.
- ↑ "Canonization of five new Saints". Vatican.va. 2009-04-26. https://www.vatican.va/content/benedict-xvi/en/speeches/2009/april/documents/hf_ben-xvi_spe_20090426_canonizz.html.
- ↑ David Knowles (1953). The Olivetan Benedictines. Edinburgh House Press. p. 25.
- ↑ "Saint Bernard Tolomei". Catholic Saints Info. https://catholicsaints.info/saint-bernard-tolomei/.
- ↑ Franca Zuccoli (2010). Vite dei Santi. Edizioni San Paolo. p. 460.
- ↑ "Monte Oliveto Maggiore". Benedettini.net. https://www.benedettini.net/en/monasteries/monte-oliveto-maggiore/.
- ↑ "Abbazia di San Salvatore". Diocese of Florence. https://www.diocesifirenze.it/santuario-san-salvatore/.
- ↑ "Chiesa di San Bernardo Tolomei". Archdiocese of Siena. https://www.diocesisiena.it/chiese-san-bernardo/.
- ↑ "Abbazia di Grottaferrata". Grottaferrata Abbey. https://www.grottaferrata.it/santuario-bernardo/.
- ↑ "Santuario di San Bernardo". Diocese of Grosseto. https://www.diocesigrosseto.it/santuario-san-bernardo/.
- ↑ "Abbazia di São Bento". Saobento.org.br. https://www.saobento.org.br/santuario-bernardo/.
- ↑ "Saint Bernard Tolomei". Catholic Saints Info. https://catholicsaints.info/saint-bernard-tolomei/.
- ↑ "Decree on the Miracle". Vatican.va. 2008-11-21. https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/csaints/documents/rc_con_csaints_doc_20081121_miracolo-tolomei_en.html.
- ↑ "Saint Bernard Tolomei". Catholic Saints Info. https://catholicsaints.info/saint-bernard-tolomei/.
- ↑ "Canonization of five new Saints". Vatican.va. 2009-04-26. https://www.vatican.va/content/benedict-xvi/en/speeches/2009/april/documents/hf_ben-xvi_spe_20090426_canonizz.html.
- ↑ "Saint Bernardo Tolomei". Benedettini.net. https://www.benedettini.net/en/saints/saint-bernardo-tolomei/.
- ↑ "Decree on the Miracle". Vatican.va. 2008-11-21. https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/csaints/documents/rc_con_csaints_doc_20081121_miracolo-tolomei_en.html.