Arialdo
Saint Arialdo was an eleventh-century Christian saint assassinated for his reform efforts against the Milanese clergy. He is chiefly remembered for leading the pataria movement, which sought to combat simony and immoral practices within the church, ultimately becoming a martyr for his cause.
- Feast Day
- June 27
- Century
- 11th century
- Country Or Region
- Italy
Key Facts
- ›Arialdo was born around 1010 in Cutiacum (Cucciago), near Como, to a noble family.
- ›He studied in Laon and Paris before becoming a canon in Milan.
- ›Arialdo co-headed the pataria movement with Bishop Anselmo da Baggio to reform simoniacal clergy.
- ›He was excommunicated by Bishop Guido da Velate but later had the excommunication removed by Pope Stephen IX.
- ›Arialdo was assassinated by emissaries of Guido da Velate while traveling to Rome.
- ›Ten months after his death, his body was found in Lago Maggiore in a state of preservation and was venerated in Milan.
About Arialdo
Saint Arialdo
Saint Arialdo (c. 1010 – June 27, 1066) was an eleventh-century Christian reformer and martyr, primarily associated with the city of Milan. He is chiefly remembered for his pivotal role in the pataria movement, which sought to cleanse the Milanese clergy of simony and immoral practices.
Life and historical context
Born into a noble family at Cutiacum (modern Cucciago) near Como, Arialdo received his education in Laon and Paris before becoming a canon in the cathedral city of Milan. At this time, the church in Milan was reportedly plagued by clerical misconduct, including fornicating, engaging with prostitutes, and the sale of indulgences. The practice of marriage was also common among the Milanese clergy, according to historical accounts.
Arialdo, alongside Bishop Anselmo da Baggio of Lucca (later Pope Alexander II), became a leader of the pataria movement. This movement aimed to reform the clergy, particularly targeting those involved in simony. Due to his reformist zeal, Arialdo was excommunicated by the Bishop of Milan, Guido da Velate. However, Pope Stephen IX later removed this excommunication, allowing Arialdo to return to Milan and continue his efforts. The conflict eventually escalated, becoming not just a matter of clerical conduct but also a dispute over the authority of Rome over Milan. In an attempt to resolve the issue, Pope Stephen IX sent Peter Damiani as a legate in 1069, who demonstrated that Milan's patron saint, Ambrose, had acknowledged the papacy's precedence.
These endeavors ultimately led to Bishop Guido da Velate's excommunication. While Arialdo was traveling to Rome, he was ambushed and killed by emissaries of Bishop Guido.
Veneration and legacy
Approximately ten months after his assassination, Arialdo's body was recovered from Lago Maggiore. It was reportedly found in a state of perfect preservation and emitting a sweet odor. His remains were transported to Milan and displayed in the church of St. Ambrose from Ascension to Pentecost. Subsequently, Arialdo's body was interred in the church of St. Celsus. In the following year, 1067, Pope Alexander II officially declared him a martyr. His martyrdom became a significant event in the history of the pataria and the broader Gregorian Reform movement.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Saint Arialdo?
Saint Arialdo was an eleventh-century Christian saint known for his efforts to reform the Milanese clergy. He was a key figure in the pataria movement, which opposed simony and clerical immorality.
Why was Saint Arialdo assassinated?
Arialdo was assassinated because of his strong advocacy for the reform of the Milanese clergy, which included combating immoral practices and simony. His efforts led to conflict with the established church hierarchy.
What was the pataria movement?
The pataria was a reform movement in Milan during the eleventh century, co-led by Arialdo and Bishop Anselmo da Baggio. It aimed to address and eradicate simony and immoral conduct among the clergy.
When and where was Saint Arialdo assassinated?
Saint Arialdo was assassinated in 1066 while traveling to Rome. He was set up by emissaries of Bishop Guido da Velate of Milan.
How is Saint Arialdo venerated?
Ten months after his assassination, Arialdo's body was found remarkably preserved and was venerated in Milan. Pope Alexander II later declared him a martyr in 1067.
Related Saints
Hemma of Gurk
Hemma of Gurk was a noblewoman and founder of churches and monasteries in the Duchy of Carinthia. She used her wealth to benefit the poor and is venerated for her piety and charitable works. Hemma is a patron saint of Carinthia and is recognized by both the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches.
Ladislaus I of Hungary
Ladislaus I of Hungary, also known as Saint Ladislas, was a medieval Hungarian king and a significant military leader. He is remembered for his efforts to restore public safety through severe legislation, his expansion of the Kingdom of Hungary into Croatia, and his role in canonizing the first Hungarian saints.
Cyril of Alexandria
Cyril of Alexandria was the Patriarch of Alexandria from 412 to 444, a significant figure in the Christological controversies of the late 4th and 5th centuries. He is renowned for his central role in the Council of Ephesus in 431, which led to the deposition of Nestorius, and for his extensive writings that solidified his position as a Doctor of the Church. Cyril is remembered for his theological debates, his disputes with secular authorities, and his expulsion of Novatians and Jews from Alexandria.