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Theophilus of Corte

Theophilus of Corte was an Italian Roman Catholic priest and a professed member of the Order of Friars Minor, born Biagio Arrighi. He is remembered for his dedicated preaching, evangelization efforts, and his role as a reformer in establishing Franciscan houses. His life was characterized by a cheerful demeanor, a willingness to assist others, and a profound dedication to silence and solitude, which he encouraged his fellow friars to practice.

Country Or Region
Italy

Key Facts

  • He was born Biagio Arrighi on October 30, 1676, in Corsica.
  • He joined the Order of Friars Minor on September 21, 1693.
  • He was ordained a priest on November 30, 1700, in Naples.
  • He founded houses for the Franciscan order in Tuscany and Corsica.
  • He was beatified on January 19, 1896, and canonized on June 29, 1930.
  • He died on June 17, 1740.
Also Known As

Biagio Arrighi

Birth Year
1676
Death Year
1740
Manner of Death
Venerated In
Religious Order
Canonized By
Pope Pius XI
Canonization Year
1930
Beatified By
Pope Leo XIII
Beatification Year
1896

About Theophilus of Corte

Who He Was: Theophilus of Corte (born Biagio Arrighi) was an Italian Roman Catholic priest and a professed member of the Order of Friars Minor. Born in Corsica on October 30, 1676, he dedicated his life to religious service, preaching, and reforming his order. He died on June 17, 1740.

Life and Ministry: Biagio Arrighi studied under the Franciscans and joined their order in 1693, taking the religious name Theophilus. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1700. He completed his theological studies in Rome and Naples. Theophilus was known for his cheerful disposition and his willingness to help others, yet he also strongly advocated for silence and solitude, believing them to be essential for a deeper connection with God. He exhorted his fellow friars to embrace these practices.

Contributions and Reform: A significant aspect of his ministry involved establishing new houses for the Franciscans. He founded these religious communities in various cities across northern Italy, as well as in his native Corsica, including in locations such as Zuani and Fucecchio. His efforts in preaching and evangelization were noted, and he became recognized as a reformer within his religious order.

Sainthood: The process for his canonization began after his death. He was declared Venerable in 1755 by Pope Benedict XIV. His beatification took place on January 19, 1896, under Pope Leo XIII. Finally, Pope Pius XI proclaimed him a saint on June 29, 1930.

Source: Wikipedia ↗

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Theophilus of Corte?

Theophilus of Corte, born Biagio Arrighi, was an Italian Roman Catholic priest and a professed member of the Order of Friars Minor. He was known for his preaching, evangelization, and his work in establishing Franciscan houses.

What is Theophilus of Corte remembered for?

He is chiefly remembered for his dedicated preaching and evangelization efforts, and for acting as a reformer by establishing new houses for the Franciscans in northern Italian cities and on the island of Corsica. He was also known for his cheerful demeanor and his dedication to silence and solitude.

When was Theophilus of Corte born and when did he die?

Theophilus of Corte was born Biagio Arrighi on October 30, 1676, and he died on June 17, 1740.

What was Theophilus of Corte's religious affiliation?

Theophilus of Corte was a professed member of the Order of Friars Minor, commonly known as Franciscans. He joined their order on September 21, 1693.

When was Theophilus of Corte canonized?

Theophilus of Corte was beatified on January 19, 1896, by Pope Leo XIII. He was later canonized as a saint on June 29, 1930, by Pope Pius XI.