Alberto da Bergamo

Alberto da Bergamo, born in 1214, was an Italian Catholic farmer from Bergamo who became a professed member of the Third Order of Saint Dominic. He is venerated for his profound piety, charitable works, and dedication to aiding the poor throughout his life.

Life and Historical Context

Born to modest and devout farming parents, Alberto demonstrated exceptional piety from a young age, beginning to fast and give his food to the needy at seven years old. He continued his father's tradition of farming and was taught penitential practices. After marrying, his wife initially criticized his generous giving to the poor, but she underwent a conversion and began to follow his example. The couple was childless, and his wife died not long after her conversion. Alberto gained a significant reputation for dedicating his life to assisting the poor through various means.

Pilgrimages and Devotion

Following the death of his wife and parents between 1240 and 1255, Alberto embarked on numerous spiritual journeys. He undertook nine pilgrimages to Rome, eight visits to Santiago de Compostela in Spain, and one pilgrimage to Jerusalem. During his visits to Rome, he showed obedience to the reigning pontiffs, including Pope Celestine IV and Pope Alexander IV, and ministered to the sick in Roman hospitals, offering comfort and encouraging confession.

Religious Life and Later Years

In 1256, Alberto became a professed member of the Third Order of Saint Dominic, actively assisting the priests of the order in Cremona. He was known for his diligent work ethic, often working twice as hard as expected and earning double wages, even in the face of sabotage attempts by jealous companions. He found solace in chanting Psalms and reciting the Divine Office. He settled in Cremona, where he was known as "the diligent worker."

Death and Beatification

Alberto fell ill in 1279 and, according to tradition, received the Viaticum from a dove when a priest could not be reached promptly. Miraculous accounts suggest the bells of Cremona rang on their own after his death. He was interred in the church of Saint Matthias in Cremona, a place he frequented, after difficulties arose in burying him in a simple plot. His beatification was officially confirmed by Pope Benedict XIV on May 9, 1748, acknowledging a long-standing local devotion and veneration of the humble farmer.