Bernardo Tolomei
Bernardo Tolomei was an Italian Catholic priest and the founder of the Congregation of the Blessed Virgin of Monte Oliveto (the Olivetans). He is remembered for establishing this monastic order with a special devotion to the Blessed Virgin and for his selfless service to plague victims in Siena. Canonized in 2009, he is commemorated on August 20th.
- Feast Day
- August 20
- Century
- 14th century
- Country Or Region
- Italy
Key Facts
- ›Bernardo Tolomei was born at Siena in Tuscany on may 10, 1272.
- ›He was a professor of law at the University of Siena and served in city government before his religious calling.
- ›In 1313, he retired to Accona with two companions to live a hermitic penitential life.
- ›He founded the Congregation of the Blessed Virgin of Monte Oliveto, adopting the Rule of St. Benedict and white habits.
- ›During the Plague of 1348, Tolomei and his monks ministered to the sick in Siena.
- ›He died from the plague on August 20, 1348, after ruling his order for 27 years.
Giovanni Tolomei
Olivetans
About Bernardo Tolomei
Bernardo Tolomei (1272–1348)
Bernardo Tolomei, born Giovanni Tolomei in Siena on May 10, 1272, was an Italian Catholic priest and the founder of the Congregation of the Blessed Virgin of Monte Oliveto. His life's work centered on establishing a monastic community dedicated to a special devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and embodying the Rule of St. Benedict. He is commemorated liturgically on August 20, the anniversary of his death.
Life and Historical Context
Giovanni Tolomei received his education from his uncle, a Dominican, and pursued studies in philosophy, mathematics, civil and canon law, and theology. He initially joined the Confraternity of the Disciplinati di Santa Maria della Notte, dedicating himself to aiding the sick at the Hospital della Scala, and later became a professor of law at the University of Siena. After a period serving as a knight and holding high civic positions in Siena, he experienced a period of blindness, after which he vowed to enter religious life upon regaining his sight.
In 1313, he and two companions, Patrizio di Francesco Patrizi and Ambrogio di Nino Piccolomini, retired to Accona on family property. Adopting the name Bernardo in admiration of St. Bernard of Clairvaux, they lived a penitential life of prayer, manual work, and silence. Towards the end of 1318 or early 1319, inspired by a vision, Tolomei founded the Congregation of the Blessed Virgin of Monte Oliveto, formally known as the Olivetans. The congregation received confirmation from Bishop Guido Tarlati of Arezzo in 1319 and gained papal favor from Popes John XXII, Clement VI, and Gregory XI. The Olivetans adopted white habits, a departure from the uncolored habits often prescribed by the Benedictine rule.
Major Contributions and Legacy
The Olivetan order grew rapidly, with monasteries established in Siena, Arezzo, Florence, and other locations within a few years. The Olivetans are remembered for their contemplative life and their adherence to Benedictine monasticism with a Marian focus.
During the devastating Plague of 1348, Bernardo Tolomei left the solitude of Monte Oliveto to minister to the sick in Siena. He and eighty-two of his monks succumbed to the disease on August 20, 1348, while providing care. Tolomei's devotion and sacrifice during this crisis became a significant part of his veneration. He was beatified by Pope Innocent X on November 24, 1644, and canonized by Pope Benedict XVI on April 26, 2009. His last days were famously depicted in an 18th-century painting by Giuseppe Maria Crespi.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Bernardo Tolomei born and when did he die?
Bernardo Tolomei was born on May 10, 1272, and died on August 20, 1348.
What is Bernardo Tolomei known for founding?
He is known for founding the Congregation of the Blessed Virgin of Monte Oliveto, commonly known as the Olivetans. This order followed the Rule of St. Benedict and adopted white habits.
What was Bernardo Tolomei's role during the Plague of 1348?
During the devastating Plague of 1348, Bernardo Tolomei and his monks left their monastery to care for the sick in Siena, where he himself eventually succumbed to the disease.
When was Bernardo Tolomei canonized?
Bernardo Tolomei was canonized by Pope Benedict XVI on April 26, 2009.
What was Bernardo Tolomei's early life like before becoming a priest?
Before entering religious life, Giovanni Tolomei studied philosophy, mathematics, civil and canon law, and theology. He was a professor of law at the University of Siena and also served as a knight.
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