Bonfilius
Bonfilius was an Italian saint, monk, and bishop known for his scriptural knowledge and his pilgrimage to the Holy Land. He served as abbot of the Benedictine monastery of Santa Maria di Storaco and later as bishop of Foligno. After a period as a hermit in Jerusalem, he returned to Italy and spent his final years as a hermit near Cingoli.
- Feast Day
- January 28
- Century
- 12th century
- Country Or Region
- Italy
Key Facts
- ›Bonfilius was born in Osimo around 1040 and died on September 27, 1115.
- ›He entered the Benedictine monastery of Santa Maria DI Storaco and was elected abbot despite being the youngest monk.
- ›Between 1072 and 1078, he served as bishop of Foligno.
- ›In 1096, he embarked on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land and lived as a hermit in Jerusalem until 1104.
- ›Upon his return to Italy, he rejoined the abbey of Storaco before becoming a hermit again at St Maria of la Far.
- ›His remains are buried in the Cingoli Cathedral, and his feast day is celebrated on January 28 in Cingoli and September 27 in Osimo.
Buonfiglio dei Monaldi
About Bonfilius
Saint Bonfilius
Saint Bonfilius, born circa 1040, was an Italian saint renowned as a monk and bishop. His life, which concluded around 1115, is marked by significant spiritual and ecclesiastical contributions primarily within Italy. He is particularly remembered for his profound scriptural knowledge, his leadership within monastic communities, and his dedicated service as a bishop.
Life and Ministry
Bonfilius hailed from Osimo and entered the Benedictine monastery of Santa Maria di Storaco, where he distinguished himself early on for his scriptural expertise despite his youth. He was elected abbot of the monastery and later served as the bishop of Foligno between 1072 and 1078. During his episcopacy, he made donations to the church of Folignano and supported the foundation of the abbey of Sassovivo.
Pilgrimage and Later Life
In 1096, Bonfilius fulfilled a long-held desire to visit the Holy Land, joining the pilgrimage of the First Crusade. The arduous journey saw him reach Jerusalem alone after his companions perished. He lived as a hermit in Jerusalem until 1104, when he returned to Italy. Finding his bishopric in Foligno already filled, he returned to the abbey of Storaco before spending his final years as a hermit at St Maria of la Far near Cingoli, where he died a natural death on September 27, 1115.
Legacy
Bonfilius' life profoundly influenced Saint Sylvester Gozzolini, the founder of the Sylvestrines, who became his first biographer. His remains were interred in the Cingoli Cathedral, and his memory is honored with a feast day celebrated annually in Cingoli on January 28 and in Osimo on September 27.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Saint Bonfilius?
Saint Bonfilius was an Italian saint, monk, and bishop who lived from approximately 1040 to 1115. He was known for his profound knowledge of scripture and his dedication to monastic life and episcopal duties.
What was Bonfilius known for during his time as a monk and bishop?
As a young monk at Santa Maria di Storaco, Bonfilius was recognized for his scriptural expertise and was elected abbot. Later, as bishop of Foligno, he made donations to the church and supported the foundation of an abbey.
What significant journey did Bonfilius undertake?
In 1096, Bonfilius fulfilled a lifelong wish to visit the Holy Land. He joined the First Crusade on pilgrimage, reaching Jerusalem alone after his companions died along the way, where he lived as a hermit.
Where did Bonfilius spend his final years?
After returning from Jerusalem in 1104, Bonfilius found his episcopal see in Foligno filled. He returned to the abbey of Storaco before spending his last years as a hermit at St Maria of la Far near Cingoli, where he died.
Where are Saint Bonfilius' remains and when is his feast day celebrated?
Saint Bonfilius' remains are buried in the Cingoli Cathedral. His feast day is observed on January 28 in Cingoli and on September 27 in Osimo.
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