Sacred Atlas logoSacred Atlas

Bellinus of Padua

Bellino of Padua was an Italian Roman Catholic prelate who served as the Bishop of Padua from 1128 until his death. He is remembered for defending the Church from secular threats, supporting ecclesial rights, and leading reforms within his diocese. Pope Eugene IV later canonized him as a saint.

Country Or Region
Italy

Key Facts

  • Bellino was born into the noble Bertaldi house in Padua.
  • He served as the Bishop of Padua from 1128 until his murder on November 26, 1145.
  • He supported legitimate popes during periods of antipapal schism.
  • He undertook a pilgrimage to Rome in 1144 and was appointed Bishop of Padua by Pope Celestine II.
  • Bellino defended the Church from secular threats, supported ecclesial rights, and initiated reforms, including rebuilding the cathedral after an earthquake.
  • He was assassinated by individuals hired by the Capodivacca house while traveling in a forest near Rovigo.
Also Known As

Bellino Bertaldo, San Bełin de Sasonia

Death Year
1145
Manner of Death
Venerated In
Role Type
Canonized By
Pope Eugene IV
Relics Location
Church of San Bellino

About Bellinus of Padua

Bellinus of Padua, born Bellino Bertaldo, was an Italian Roman Catholic prelate who served as the Bishop of Padua from 1128 until his murder on November 26, 1145. He was later canonized as a saint by Pope Eugene IV. Bellinus was born into the noble Bertaldi house in Padua and demonstrated a steadfast dedication to the legitimate popes during periods of schism.

Life and Ministry

Bellinus's episcopacy was marked by his active defense of the Church's interests. He opposed secular threats and championed ecclesial rights. Among his significant contributions was leading a reform for the diocesan canons and taking charge of efforts to rebuild the cathedral of Padua, which had been destroyed by an earthquake in 1117. He also played a role in the oversight of school construction within his diocese.

Death and Veneration

Bellinus met a violent end in 1145 while traveling in a forest at Fratta, near Rovigo, en route to Rome. He was fatally stabbed by assassins hired by the Capodivacca house, though the specific motives for his murder are unknown. Following his death, Bellinus's remains were initially housed in Lugarano at the church of San Giacomo. A flood necessitated the relocation of his relics to the new church of San Bellino in San Martino di Variano, where they were further enshrined in a chapel in 1647. His canonization by Pope Eugene IV solidified his veneration as a saint within the Catholic Church.

Source: Wikipedia ↗

Frequently Asked Questions

When did Bellino of Padua live?

Bellino of Padua lived in the 11th and 12th centuries. He served as Bishop of Padua from 1128 until his death on November 26, 1145.

How did Bellino of Padua become Bishop of Padua?

Bellino was appointed Bishop of Padua in 1144 by Pope Celestine II. This occurred after Bellino made a pilgrimage to Rome and impressed the Pope.

What were some of Bellino of Padua's key contributions as bishop?

As bishop, Bellino defended the Church from secular threats, supported ecclesial rights, and led a reform for the diocesan canons. He also oversaw the rebuilding of the cathedral after an earthquake and the construction of schools.

How did Bellino of Padua die?

Bellino of Padua was murdered by assassins who stabbed him to death. He was traveling in a forest at Fratta, near Rovigo, en route to Rome when the attack occurred. The Capodivacca house was responsible for hiring the assassins.

Where are the relics of Bellino of Padua kept?

Bellino's remains were first housed in Lugarano at the church of San Giacomo. Due to a flood, his relics were moved to the new church of San Bellino in San Martino di Variano, and later into a chapel in the same church in 1647.