Humilis of Bisignano
Humilis of Bisignano was a Franciscan friar celebrated in his time as a mystic and wonderworker. Known for his deep piety from childhood, he was recognized for his humility and ability to explain complex theological doctrines despite being illiterate. His life of prayer and service led to his eventual canonization by the Catholic Church.
- Feast Day
- November 26
- Century
- 17th century
- Country Or Region
- Italy
Key Facts
- ›He was born Luca Antonio Pirozzo in Bisignano in 1582.
- ›He joined the Reformed Friars Minor in 1609, taking the name Humilis.
- ›Despite being illiterate, he could explain deep Catholic doctrines to church officials.
- ›He served as a companion to the Minister General of the Friars Minor and later advised Popes Gregory XV and Urban VIII.
- ›He died on November 26, 1637, in his native city.
- ›He was declared a saint by Pope John Paul II in 2002.
Umile da Bisignano, Luca Antonio Pirozzo
Franciscans, Reformed Friars Minor
About Humilis of Bisignano
Humilis of Bisignano, born Luca Antonio Pirozzo in 1582 in Bisignano, Calabria, was an Italian Franciscan friar who achieved renown in his time as a mystic and wonderworker. He was canonized by the Catholic Church in 2002, solidifying his place as a saint.
Life and historical context
Luca Antonio Pirozzo was born into a religious family, the son of Giovanni Pirozzo and Ginevra Giardino. From a young age, he displayed a deep piety, attending Mass daily and often engaging in prayer. His youth was marked by an exemplary humility, famously demonstrated when he turned his cheek after being slapped in the city square, a trait that aligned with the religious name he would later adopt. He felt a calling to religious life around the age of 18 but formally entered the Reformed Friars Minor in 1609 at the age of 27. He joined the novitiate at the Convento di Riforma in his hometown and received the religious habit, taking the name Humilis. After successfully completing his probationary year, he professed his religious vows on September 4, 1610.
Humilis experienced religious ecstasy from childhood. Upon joining the Friars Minor, he was assigned domestic duties common for lay brothers. His superiors also subjected him to various trials to test his character and the authenticity of his supernatural experiences. Despite being illiterate, Humilis possessed a remarkable ability to clearly explain profound doctrines of the Catholic faith to church officials, including the Inquisitor of the kingdom. His gentleness and purity of mind earned him great respect among his fellow friars.
His spiritual gifts and reputation led to him being chosen by Benigno de Genova, the Minister General of the Friars Minor (1618–1625), to accompany him on visitations to friaries in southern Italy and Sicily. Following this, Humilis was called to Rome, where he served as a respected advisor to Pope Gregory XV and Pope Urban VIII, primarily residing at the Friary of San Francesco a Ripa during this period. He eventually returned to his native Bisignano, where he died in 1637 and was buried in the friary cemetery.
Veneration
The process for Humilis' canonization began in the mid-17th century. He was declared venerable by Pope Pius VI in 1780, beatified by Pope Leo XIII on January 29, 1882, and formally canonized by Pope John Paul II in 2002.
Legacy
Humilis of Bisignano is remembered as a model of profound humility and spiritual insight. His life exemplifies how deep faith and divine wisdom can transcend formal education, influencing both his religious order and the highest echelons of the Church hierarchy. His veneration continues within the Catholic Church.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Humilis of Bisignano?
Humilis of Bisignano, born Luca Antonio Pirozzo, was a Franciscan friar who lived from 1582 to 1637. He was widely known in his time as a mystic and wonderworker and has since been declared a saint by the Catholic Church.
What was Humilis of Bisignano known for?
He was chiefly known for being a mystic and wonderworker, demonstrating deep piety and humility from a young age. Despite being illiterate, he possessed an extraordinary ability to explain profound Catholic doctrines.
When was Humilis of Bisignano canonized?
Humilis of Bisignano was beatified by Pope Leo XIII in 1882 and formally canonized as a saint by Pope John Paul II in 2002.
What religious order did Humilis of Bisignano belong to?
He entered the Reformed Friars Minor, a branch of the Order of Friars Minor known for following a more severe way of life, in 1609.
Where did Humilis of Bisignano live and die?
He was born and died in the city of Bisignano in the region of Calabria, Italy. He spent much of his religious life in various friaries of his order.
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