Saint Ubald Baldassini
Saint Ubald Baldassini (born c. 1084 AD in Gubbio, Umbria, Italy; died May 16, 1160 AD in Gubbio, Umbria, Italy) was the Bishop of Gubbio from 1129 until his death in 1160. He is the patron saint of Gubbio and one of the most beloved local saints of Umbria. He is particularly known for his extraordinary gentleness — even in the face of violence — and for his incorrupt body, which remains on display in the Basilica of Sant'Ubaldo on Mount Ingino above Gubbio. His feast day is May 16, and he is the focal point of the famous "Corsa dei Ceri" (Race of the Candles), one of Italy's oldest religious festivals. His feast day is May 16.
Stored in Cargo: Saint Ubald Baldassini
| Saint Ubald Baldassini | |
|---|---|
| Feast Day | May 16 |
| Profession | Bishop of Gubbio (1129–1160 AD); confessor; patron of Gubbio; focus of the Corsa dei Ceri |
| Rel. Affiliation | Catholic Church; Diocese of Gubbio; 12th-century Italian Catholicism; Umbrian saints; medieval episcopate; patron of Gubbio |
| Patronage | Gubbio; the city of Gubbio; those afflicted by demonic possession (miracles at his shrine); those facing tyrannical power; gentleness and meekness |
| Attributes | Bishop's vestments; incorrupt body in a crystal casket; Mount Ingino above Gubbio; the three ceri (Corsa dei Ceri); a model of the city of Gubbio |
| Birthplace | Gubbio, Umbria, Italy |
| Death Place | Gubbio, Umbria, Italy |
| Cause of Death | Natural death; died May 16, 1160, in Gubbio; he had been bishop for approximately 31 years; he died at the monastery he had built on Mount Ingino above Gubbio; he had been in failing health for the last years of his life but continued to exercise his episcopal ministry; his body was found incorrupt after death and remains incorrupt to the present day in the basilica on the mountain |
| Primary Shrine | Basilica of Sant'Ubaldo, Mount Ingino, Gubbio — his incorrupt body; accessible by cable car; millions of pilgrims; destination of the Corsa dei Ceri; one of the great Umbrian pilgrimage sites |
| Liturgical Class | Optional Memorial (Roman Rite); May 16; Feast in Gubbio and Umbria |
| Historic Class | Double (May 16) in 1962 calendar |
Biography
Ubald Baldassini was born c. 1084 in Gubbio, Umbria, Italy. He received his education from the canons of Gubbio Cathedral and eventually became dean of the cathedral chapter. He reformed the chapter to a life of common rule and poverty.
He was consecrated Bishop of Gubbio c. 1129 after initially refusing. He administered the diocese with great pastoral care for 31 years. He was known for his extreme gentleness — never losing his temper, forgiving injuries immediately. A story tells of a mason who struck him in the face; Ubald held the man's hand to prevent him from fleeing in shame.
When Holy Roman Emperor Frederick Barbarossa invaded Italy in 1155, Ubald reportedly confronted the emperor personally and by his peaceful bearing convinced him to spare Gubbio.
He died May 16, 1160. His body was found incorrupt and remains incorrupt in the Basilica of Sant'Ubaldo on Mount Ingino above Gubbio.
Pope Celestine III canonized him in 1192. The annual "Corsa dei Ceri" (Race of the Candles) on May 15 — one of Italy's oldest religious folk festivals, now recognized by UNESCO — commemorates him.
Significant locations
Legend
Birth location: Gubbio, Umbria, Italy
Death location: Gubbio, Umbria, Italy
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Shrines
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Known shrines
- Basilica of Sant'Ubaldo, Mount Ingino, Gubbio — his incorrupt body; accessible by cable car; destination of the Corsa dei Ceri.
Feast day
May 16
Veneration
Saint Ubald Baldassini is the patron of Gubbio, whose incorrupt body rests in a mountain basilica above the city. His feast (May 16) is marked by the Corsa dei Ceri — one of Italy's oldest religious folk festivals. Canonized 1192. Feast May 16.
Prayers
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