Saint Alexander Sauli

Life story

Alessandro Sauli was born in Milan around 1534 (some sources say 1533). He joined the Barnabites at 17, professed vows on 29 September 1554 and was ordained priest on 21 March 1556 after a dispensation for his age. He taught philosophy and theology at the University of Pavia and was elected Superior General of the order in the 1560s. He was a friend and adviser of Archbishop Charles Borromeo, who consecrated him bishop.

Pius V appointed him bishop of Aleria in Corsica around 1570; one source says he reached the island at the end of April that year. The diocese had been long neglected and the faith there was nearly dead. He corrected abuses, rebuilt churches, founded schools and seminaries and moved the see from Aleria to Cervione, where the cathedral was built in 1578. Many accounts call him the Apostle of Corsica.

In 1591 Gregory XIV appointed him bishop of Pavia; he took possession on 19 October 1591. He died on 11 October 1592. Benedict XIV beatified him in 1742 and Pius X canonised him on 11 December 1904. His feast day is 11 October. He is patron of Corsica.

Works and witness

• Joined the Barnabites at 17 and was ordained in 1556
• Taught philosophy and theology at the University of Pavia
• Superior General of the Barnabites in the 1560s
• Bishop of Aleria in Corsica; moved the see to Cervione and founded seminaries and schools
• Bishop of Pavia from 1591; canonised in 1904

Patron of

Corsica

Saints from the same country

Saint Agnes, Saint Lawrence, Saint Cecilia, Saint Sebastian

References

• Catholic Encyclopedia (New Advent): 'Blessed Alexander Sauli', newadvent.org/cathen/01299b.htm
• CatholicSaints.Info: 'Saint Alexander Sauli', catholicsaints.info/saint-alexander-sauli

Written by Anawim from documented history. Some details about ancient saints rest on tradition and are marked as such.