Ubald
Ubald of Gubbio was a medieval bishop of Gubbio, Italy, venerated as a saint by the Catholic Church. He is remembered for his virtuous life, his role in protecting Gubbio during conflicts, and his patronage of the city. His feast day is celebrated with the traditional Festival of Ceri.
- Century
- 12th century
- Country Or Region
- Italy
Key Facts
- ›Ubald was born Ubaldo Baldassini to noble parents and was raised by his uncle, the bishop of Gubbio.
- ›He became a canon regular and later prior of the cathedral church of Gubbio, introducing reforms based on rules from Ravenna.
- ›After briefly considering a hermit's life, he returned to Gubbio, rebuilt the cloisters, and became bishop in 1128.
- ›Ubald was known for his patience, gentleness, and gift of healing, once pardoning a worker who pushed him into mortar.
- ›He led Gubbio's forces to victory against Perugia in 1151 and later met Emperor Frederick Barbarossa, who spared the city.
- ›Numerous miracles were attributed to him, and he was canonized by Pope Celestine III in 1192.
Ubaldo, Ubaldus, Ubalde
Gubbio
About Ubald
Ubald of Gubbio
Ubald of Gubbio (c. 1084–1160) was a medieval Italian bishop of Gubbio, venerated as a saint by the Catholic Church. Born Ubaldo Baldassini to noble parents, he was orphaned at a young age and raised by his uncle, the bishop of Gubbio. He received his education from the prior of the cathedral church and later became a canon regular.
Life and Ministry
Ubald joined the Monastery of St. Secondo and was ordained around 1114. He was recalled to the cathedral monastery by his bishop to reform abuses among the canons. Seeking to implement stricter rules, he studied the practices of canons regular at Santa Maria in Portofuori at Ravenna. After a period of hermit life was opposed by Peter of Rimini, Ubald returned to Gubbio, rebuilt the cloisters, and made the chapter more flourishing.
He donated his patrimony to the poor and monasteries. In 1128, he was consecrated bishop of Gubbio by Pope Honorius II. As bishop, he was a model of Christian virtues, known for his patience, gentleness, and gift of healing. A notable incident involved an overseer who pushed him into a heap of mortar while repairing a city wall; Ubald pardoned the man and prevented his punishment.
In 1151, Ubald famously commanded the Gubbio forces to a decisive victory against Perugia and its allies. In 1155, he met with Emperor Frederick Barbarossa and persuaded him to spare the city of Gubbio from attack after the sack of Spoleto. These events led the populace to regard him as the city's protector.
Veneration and Legacy
Ubald died in 1160 after a prolonged illness. Numerous miracles were attributed to him both during his life and after his death. His successor, Theobald, wrote his biography. Ubald was canonized in 1192 by Pope Celestine III.
His body was initially buried in the cathedral but was moved in 1194 to a small oratory on Mount Ingino, overlooking Gubbio. A church, now the Basilica of Sant'Ubaldo, was built there in 1508 and remains a pilgrimage site. Dante Alighieri mentions Ubald in the Divine Comedy. A finger relic of Ubald is venerated in Thann, France.
The devotion to Saint Ubald is particularly strong in Gubbio, where the "Festival of Ceri" is celebrated with great solemnity, featuring religious and civil processions. A similar celebration, the Corsa dei Ceri, takes place in Jessup, Pennsylvania, reflecting the devotion to the saint outside of Italy.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Ubald of Gubbio born and when did he die?
Ubald of Gubbio was born around 1084 and died in the year 1160. His life spanned a significant portion of the 12th century, a period of considerable change in medieval Europe.
What was Ubald of Gubbio known for during his lifetime?
He was known for his virtuous life, patience, gentleness, and a perceived gift of healing. He served as bishop of Gubbio, reformed abuses among canons, and notably led the city's defenses to victory against Perugia.
What is the Festival of Ceri?
The Festival of Ceri is a celebration held in Gubbio in honor of Saint Ubaldo. It involves religious and civil processions, including a race with three statues, which is also replicated in Jessup, Pennsylvania.
Where is Ubald of Gubbio venerated?
Ubald of Gubbio is venerated as a saint by the Catholic Church, particularly in his native city of Gubbio, Italy. A finger relic is also venerated in Thann, France.
Who wrote the life of Ubald of Gubbio?
The life of Ubald was written by Theobald, his immediate successor as bishop of Gubbio. This biography was commissioned by Emperor Frederick Barbarossa.
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