Guarinus of Palestrina

Guarinus of Palestrina, born Guarino Foscari (c. 1080 – February 6, 1158), was an Italian Catholic Augustinian canon regular and Cardinal-Bishop of Palestrina. He is noted for his profound charitable compassion towards the poor of Palestrina and his efforts to evade higher ecclesiastical positions.

Life and Ministry

Born in Bologna around 1080 into the noble Guarini household, Guarino Foscari received a strong education and developed a fondness for literature. Despite parental opposition, he was ordained a priest at the age of 24 and later served as a Canon of the Cathedral of Bologna. In 1104, he joined the Santa Croce Congregation of canons at Mortara, donating his possessions for the construction of a hospital before his departure.

Foscari twice attempted to avoid episcopal consecration. At age 59, he evaded an election to bishop of Pavia by escaping through a window and going into hiding until a new election. During Advent in 1144, Pope Lucius II summoned him, and despite Foscari's attempts to avoid office, he was arrested and subsequently appointed Cardinal-Bishop of Palestrina in December 1144. He sold gifts bestowed upon him by the Pope, distributing the proceeds to the poor.

Feeling unworthy, he left his post twice: first recalled from Subiaco by Pope Eugene III, and later fleeing to Rome from Ostia upon encountering Saracens. He served as bishop for thirteen years, notably remaining apart from the political intrigues of Rome. As a cardinal, he participated in the conclaves that elected Popes Eugene III, Anastasius IV, and Adrian IV.

Canonization and Legacy

Guarinus of Palestrina died on February 6, 1158, at the age of 78. He was canonized as a saint by Pope Alexander III in 1159. His remains were initially interred in the crypt of the Cathedral of Sant'Agapito. Following the looting of Palestrina in 1473, his remains were hidden for fear of desecration, and despite a search in 1754, they were not recovered.