Salvador of Horta
Salvador of Horta was a Spanish Franciscan lay brother celebrated as a miracle worker during his lifetime. He is honored as a saint by the Catholic Church for his asceticism, humility, and the numerous cures attributed to his intercession. His remains are venerated in Cagliari, Sardinia.
- Feast Day
- March 18
- Century
- 16th century
- Country Or Region
- Spain
Key Facts
- ›Born Salvador Pladevall I Bien in December 1520 in Catalonia, Spain.
- ›Worked as a shoemaker in Barcelona after being orphaned at age 14.
- ›Entered the novitiate of the Observant branch of the Order of Friars Minor in Barcelona in 1541.
- ›Acquired a reputation as a healer while serving as cook, beggar, and porter at the friary in Tortosa.
- ›His superiors moved him to various friaries due to suspicions about the miracles attributed to him.
- ›Died on March 18, 1567, in Cagliari, Sardinia, then under Spanish rule.
Salvador d'Horta, Salvador de Horta, Salvatore da Horta, Salvador Pladevall i Bien
About Salvador of Horta
Salvador of Horta, born Salvador Pladevall i Bien in December 1520 in Santa Coloma de Farners, Catalonia, Spain, was a Spanish Franciscan lay brother renowned for his miracle-working abilities during his lifetime. He is venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church.
Life and Historical Context
Orphaned at age 14, Salvador moved to Barcelona with his sister and worked as a shoemaker. He later felt a religious calling, exploring monastic life at the Benedictine Abbey of Santa Maria de Montserrat before entering the novitiate of the Observant branch of the Order of Friars Minor in Barcelona on May 3, 1541. He took his vows in 1542, distinguished by his asceticism and humility.
Assigned as cook, designated beggar, and porter at the friary in Tortosa, Salvador's reputation as a healer grew, attracting an estimated 2,000 sick pilgrims weekly. This led to suspicion from his superiors, resulting in his transfer to various friaries, including Bellpuig, Lleida, and notably Horta de Sant Joan, with which he became identified. He resided in Horta de Sant Joan from 1547 to 1559. Further moves included Reus and Madrid, where he was visited by King Philip II of Spain. While in Madrid, he was denounced to the Spanish Inquisition in 1560 due to the numerous miracles attributed to him, but no action was taken.
In 1565, Salvador was sent to the Friary of St. Mary of Jesus in Cagliari, Sardinia, where he continued his service as cook and experienced further miraculous cures. It was in Cagliari that he died on March 18, 1567.
Veneration
At the request of King Philip II, Salvador was declared "Blessed" on February 5, 1606, by Pope Paul V, a declaration confirmed by Pope Clement XI on January 29, 1711. He was canonized on April 17, 1938, by Pope Pius XI.
His feast day is generally celebrated on March 18, the anniversary of his death. The Friars Minor observe his feast on April 17, the anniversary of his canonization. His remains were initially interred at the Church of St. Mary of Jesus in Cagliari. In 1606, when his grave was opened to collect his heart as a relic, his body was found to be intact. Upon the demolition of the Church of St. Mary of Jesus in 1718, his remains were moved to another church of the Order in the city and, in 1758, were finally entombed in a glass coffin under the main altar of the Church of St. Rosalie in Cagliari, where they remain a shrine for veneration.
Veneration of Salvador spread throughout his native Catalonia and also into Calabria, a region that was historically under Spanish rule.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was Salvador of Horta born?
Salvador of Horta was born Salvador Pladevall i Bien in December 1520 in the hospital of Santa Coloma de Farners, located in the Catalan Province of Girona, Spain.
What was Salvador of Horta known for during his lifetime?
He was celebrated as a miracle worker during his lifetime. He acquired a reputation as a healer, and the friary where he served became a destination for sick pilgrims.
Why was Salvador of Horta moved to different friaries?
Salvador's superiors developed suspicions about him due to the many miracles attributed to his intercession, leading them to move him to various friaries throughout his life.
When was Salvador of Horta canonized?
Salvador of Horta was canonized on April 17, 1938, by Pope Pius XI.
Where are the remains of Salvador of Horta venerated?
His remains were eventually entombed in a glass coffin under the main altar of the Church of St. Rosalie in Cagliari, Sardinia, where they remain his shrine for veneration.
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