Saint Nicholas of Tolentino
Thirteenth-century Augustinian friar of Tolentino, the first Augustinian canonised
- Rank
- Saint
- Kind
- Religious, Priest
- Life
- 1245 – 1305
- Era
- 14th century
- Feast
- 10 September
- Countries
- Italy
Life story
Nicholas was born around 1245 at Sant'Angelo in Pontano in the Marche. He was named for Saint Nicholas of Myra; an account without clear source says his parents had prayed for a child at the shrine of Saint Nicholas in Bari. He joined the Augustinians as a young man, around 1256 according to one source, and after ordination served in several houses in the Marche. Around 1274-75 he was posted to Tolentino and lived there for the rest of his life.
At Tolentino he preached, heard confessions, ministered to the poor, the sick and prisoners, and worked as a peacemaker in the Guelph-Ghibelline strife. The earliest sources are a Life by Peter of Monterubbiano, dated by the Bollandists to about 1326, and the records of the 1325 inquiry for his canonisation. The witnesses describe him as a kindly confessor, prudent counsellor and helper of the poor and sick. The Life also tells of visions, a beating by the devil and blessed bread he distributed to the sick, later called Saint Nicholas bread. These are legend and tradition, not established history.
He died at Tolentino on 10 September 1305. After long delays Pope Eugene IV canonised him in 1446; he was the first Augustinian to be canonised. His relics are venerated at the Basilica of San Nicola da Tolentino. He is honoured as patron of the souls in Purgatory; his feast, 10 September, was dropped from the General Roman Calendar in the 1969 revision.
Works and witness
- Joined the Augustinians and served in several houses in the Marche
- Posted to Tolentino around 1274-75 and stayed there for life
- Preached, heard confessions and helped the poor, sick and prisoners
- Worked as a peacemaker between Guelph and Ghibelline factions
- Canonised by Pope Eugene IV in 1446
Patron of
Souls in Purgatory
Saints from the same country
References
- Encyclopedia.com (New Catholic Encyclopedia): 'Nicholas of Tolentino, St.', encyclopedia.com/religion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/nicholas-tolentino-st
Written by Anawim from documented history. Some details about ancient saints rest on tradition and are marked as such.