Saint Nicholas Tavelić
Croatian Franciscan friar martyred in Jerusalem in 1391
- Rank
- Saint
- Kind
- Martyr, Priest, Missionary
- Life
- 1340 – 1391
- Era
- 14th century
- Feast
- 14 November
- Countries
- Croatia, Israel
Life story
Nicholas was born around 1340, most probably in Šibenik in Dalmatia; the village of Velim near Stankovci is also named as a possible birthplace. He became a friar of the Order of Friars Minor. Little is recorded of his early years, so his biography only becomes clear once he goes on mission.
He worked as a missionary in Bosnia, together with Deodat of Rodez. In 1384 he joined the Custody of the Holy Land, living at the friary on Mount Zion in Jerusalem and learning Arabic.
On 11 November 1391 he and three companions, Deodat of Rodez, Peter of Narbonne and Stephen of Cuneo, went to the Muslim judge (qadi) of Jerusalem and spoke openly of their faith. They were arrested, refused to renounce it and were executed on 14 November 1391. He was beatified in 1889 under Pope Leo XIII and canonised by Pope Paul VI on 21 June 1970. His relics are venerated at the national shrine in Šibenik.
Works and witness
- Entered the Franciscans
- Missionary in Bosnia
- Lived at the Mount Zion friary in Jerusalem from 1384
- Executed around 1391 with three confreres
- First Croatian to be canonised (1970)
Saints from the same country
References
- Franciscan Media, "Saint Nicholas Tavelic and Companions" (franciscanmedia.org)
- Paul VI, homily at the canonisation, 21 June 1970 (vatican.va)
Written by Anawim from documented history. Some details about ancient saints rest on tradition and are marked as such.