Blessed John of Vercelli was also known as Giovanni Garbella.
He was the sixth Master General of the Dominican Order.
He was born in 1205 in Mosso Santa Maria, Italy, and died on November 30 1283 in Montpelier, France.
We celebrate his feast day on November 30 every year in the Catholic Church.
Blessed John of Vercelli Biography | |
---|---|
Date of Birth | 1205 AD |
Place of Birth | Mosso Santa Maria, Italy |
Date of Death | November 30 1283 |
Place of Death | Montpelier, France |
Feast Day | November 30 |
Beatification | Beatified by Pope Pius X in 1903 |
Patron Saint of | Holy Name Society |
Blessed John of Vercelli Biography
Blessed John of Vercelli, originally named John Garbella, was born in 1205 in Mosso Santa Maria, Italy. He pursued his education at the University of Paris and excelled, earning a doctorate in civil and canon law.
Subsequently, he taught law in both Paris and Vercelli, Italy, and played a significant role in establishing a university in Vercelli.
As a Dominican Friar, John joined the Dominican order in Vercelli and received his habit from Blessed Jordan of Saxony, whose preaching had drawn him to the Order.
He later moved to Bologna, Italy, to further his studies in the history and theology of the Dominican Order and prepare for the priesthood. John was ordained as a priest in 1229 and gained recognition as an esteemed preacher in Bologna.
In 1232, John returned to Vercelli, where he founded a Dominican priory and served as its superior. He played a key role as a peacemaker in resolving conflicts between Venice and other Papal States.
Additionally, he served as the prior of the Dominican house in Bologna and provided spiritual guidance to the nuns there.
John later became the Dominican Provincial of Lombardy in 1257 and actively opposed heresies in northern Italy.
He had close connections with King Saint Louis IX and frequently sought advice from Saint Thomas Aquinas on theological matters.
From 1264 to 1283, John held the prestigious position of Master-General of the Dominicans, ensuring consistent liturgical practices throughout the Order.
He also served at the papal court under Pope Clement IV. Following Pope Clement’s death, John was considered a potential candidate for the papacy but chose to flee the city when he learned of this. Ultimately, Pope Gregory X was elected as the new Pope.
John served as a papal legate and effectively mediated disputes between Venice and Genoa, as well as between France and Castile.
He was commissioned by the Pope to create the framework for the Second Council of Lyons and actively participated in the Council.
In 1274, he established what would later become the Holy Name Society, officially known as the Confraternity of the Most Holy Name of God and Jesus.
Despite being appointed as the archbishop of Jerusalem in 1278, John humbly requested to be relieved of this responsibility, citing his advanced age, ill health, and the need for strong leadership in the war-torn region.
According to tradition, during the translation of Saint Dominic de Guzman’s relics in 1267, the head of Saint Dominic was observed to turn toward Blessed John, which was considered a remarkable occurrence.
Blessed John of Vercelli passed away on 30 November 1283 in Montpelier, France, due to natural causes. He was buried in the Dominican convent in Montpelier, but his tomb was desecrated by Calvinists in 1562, and his remains were lost.
In 1903, Pope Pius X confirmed his cultus and beatified him. He is the patron of the Confraternity of the Most Holy Names of God and Jesus, also known as ‘The Holy Name Society.’
Related Links
Other Saints Whose Feast Days are in November
Powered By SEO Experts
Follow @ReadingCatholic