Bernard degli Uberti
Bernard degli Uberti was an Italian Roman Catholic prelate and professed member of the Vallumbrosan Order, serving as the Bishop of Parma from 1106 until his death. He was a close confidant and advisor to Countess Matilda and is considered a significant figure in the Vallumbrosan Order's history. His holiness led to his canonization only six years after his death.
- Feast Day
- December 3
- Century
- 12th century
- Country Or Region
- Italy
Key Facts
- ›He was born circa 1060 in Florence to the noble Uberti house.
- ›He became a monk in the Vallumbrosans and later served as abbot of San Salvi and Superior-General of the congregation.
- ›He was appointed Cardinal-Priest of San Crisogono in 1097 and served as a papal legate in several Italian regions.
- ›He was appointed Bishop of Parma in October 1106 and received his episcopal consecration in November of that year.
- ›He died on December 4, 1133, and was interred in the Parma cathedral.
- ›He was canonized on December 3, 1139, by Pope Innocent II.
Vallumbrosans
About Bernard degli Uberti
Bernardo degli Uberti (c. 1060 – 4 December 1133) was an Italian Roman Catholic prelate, a professed member of the Vallumbrosan Order, and served as its abbot. He held the position of Bishop of Parma from 1106 until his death and was also appointed as a cardinal. Hailing from the noble Uberti house of Florence, his life was marked by significant service to the Church and its temporal affairs.
Life and Ministry
Born in Florence to noble parents, Bernardo degli Uberti joined the Vallumbrosans and rose through the ranks, becoming abbot of San Salvi and later Superior-General of the congregation. His administrative and disciplinary skills were evident when he presided over a meeting of all the order's abbots in 1100. His career in wider Church affairs began when Pope Urban II named him Cardinal-Priest of San Crisogono in 1097. He served as a papal legate in numerous Italian regions, mediating disputes between the Church and secular rulers. He was a trusted confidant and advisor to Countess Matilda, playing a role in her restitutions of land and offering counsel on political matters.
Uberti's tenure as Bishop of Parma was not without its challenges. He was driven into exile from Parma in 1104 for attempting to keep the people faithful to the pope against Emperor Heinrich V and Antipope Maginulf, and again in 1127 after opposing the proclamation of Conrad II. Despite these difficulties, he was consecrated Bishop of Parma in November 1106. He experienced imprisonment in 1111 at the behest of the emperor, with Countess Matilda instrumental in securing his release.
Canonization and Legacy
Bernardo degli Uberti died peacefully in his sleep on December 4, 1133, and was interred in the Parma cathedral. His reputation for holiness was so profound that miracles were frequently reported at his tomb. This fervent devotion led Pope Innocent II to proclaim him a saint only six years after his death, on December 3, 1139. He is often regarded as a significant figure in the Vallumbrosan Order, considered its third founding father alongside Benedict of Nursia and Giovanni Gualberto. His liturgical feast day is December 4.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Bernard degli Uberti born and when did he die?
Bernard degli Uberti was born circa 1060 and died on December 4, 1133. His life spanned the late 11th and early 12th centuries.
What religious order was Bernard degli Uberti a part of?
Bernard degli Uberti was a professed member and served as abbot of the Vallumbrosan Order, which was a branch of the Benedictines.
What significant roles did Bernard degli Uberti hold during his life?
He served as the Bishop of Parma from 1106 until his death, was appointed as a cardinal, and acted as a papal legate for successive popes. He was also a close confidant and advisor to Countess Matilda.
Why is Bernard degli Uberti considered a saint?
His great fame for holiness led to reports of miracles at his tomb. Pope Innocent II canonized him only six years after his death on December 3, 1139.
Where is Bernard degli Uberti venerated?
Bernard degli Uberti is venerated in the Catholic Church. His liturgical feast day was extended for the Parma diocese by later popes.
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