John of Tufara
John of Tufara was an Italian hermit, monastery founder, and Catholic saint. He is remembered as the patron saint of his birth town Tufara and of Foiano di Val Fortore, where he established the monastery of Santa Maria di Gualdo Mazzocca. His sainthood was officially confirmed in 1221, though debated until a clarification in 2013.
- Feast Day
- November 14
- Century
- 12th century
- Country Or Region
- Italy
Key Facts
- ›John of Tufara was born in 1084 in Tufara, Italy.
- ›He lived as a hermit for 46 years in caves surrounding Baselice.
- ›In 1156, he founded the monastery of Santa Maria DI Gualdo Mazzocca in Foiano DI Val Fortore.
- ›John died on November 14, 1170, at the age of 86.
- ›He was officially canonized on August 28, 1221, through an ancient rite.
- ›He is the patron saint of Tufara and Foiano DI Val Fortore.
Giovanni da Tufara, Ioannes de Tuphária, Giovanni Eremita, Ioannes eremítæ, John the Hermit
Tufara, Foiano Di Val Fortore
About John of Tufara
John of Tufara, also known as John the Hermit, was an Italian hermit, monastery founder, and a Catholic saint. Born in 1084 in Tufara, he is venerated as the patron saint of his birth town and of Foiano di Val Fortore, where he ultimately died.
Life and Ministry
John's early life was marked by a strained relationship with his parents due to his strong religious inclinations. At the age of 18, he left home for Paris but found the city too busy, preferring the quiet of the countryside. Upon returning to Tufara, he learned of his parents' death. After briefly staying with his brother Benedetto, John renounced his possessions and chose to live as a hermit in the caves near Baselice. He spent the final 46 years of his life in these caves, attracting a small following of local men who admired his devout lifestyle.
Monastery Foundation
In 1156, John obtained authorization from Pope Adrian IV to establish a monastery. In the same year, he began construction of the monastery of Santa Maria di Gualdo Mazzocca in Foiano di Val Fortore. The monastery, dedicated to Mary, mother of Jesus, and located near the Mazzocca woods, later became an abbey that provided prayer and assistance to the poor.
Death and Legacy
John of Tufara died on November 14, 1170, at the age of 86, following a severe fever and exhaustion. His body was initially buried in a hidden location in the forest by the monks of the abbey, fearing it would be stolen. His legacy is strongly tied to his patronage of Tufara and Foiano di Val Fortore, and the monastery he founded. The Church of San Giovanni Eremita a Mazzocca was erected in the same location in 1716 and dedicated to him.
Canonization
The process for John's canonization was not immediate. After his death, the monks of the abbey repeatedly petitioned the pope. In 1218, Pope Honorius III directed bishops to investigate his life and purported miracles. Following further requests, Archbishop Ruggiero of Benevento oversaw the exhumation and consecration of John's remains on August 28, 1221, through an ancient rite known as elevatio et translatio corporis officiato, which officially canonized him. Despite some debate over his status due to this unusual process, the Congregation for the Causes of Saints definitively declared him an official saint on October 30, 2013.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was John of Tufara born and when did he die?
John of Tufara was born in 1084 and died on November 14, 1170. He lived to be 86 years old.
Where is John of Tufara from?
John of Tufara was born in Tufara, Italy. He also founded a monastery in Foiano di Val Fortore and died there.
What is John of Tufara known for?
He is known as an Italian hermit, a monastery founder, and a saint. He is the patron saint of Tufara and Foiano di Val Fortore.
How was John of Tufara canonized?
His canonization process was initiated by the brothers of his abbey and involved papal bulls directing bishops to investigate his life and miracles. He was officially canonized on August 28, 1221, through the ancient rite of elevatio et translatio corporis officiato.
Is John of Tufara officially recognized as a saint?
Yes, despite some debate regarding his unusual canonization process, the Congregation for the Causes of Saints officially declared him a saint on October 30, 2013, affirming his veneration.
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