Baldassare Ravaschieri
Baldassare Ravaschieri (1420 – 17 October 1492) was an Italian Roman Catholic priest and a professed member of the Order of Friars Minor of the strict observance.[1] Ravaschieri served as a noted preacher and confessor and befriended as contemporaries Blessed Bernardine of Feltre and architect Giovanni Antonio Amadeo.[2]
Baldassare Ravaschieri | |
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Priest | |
Born | 1420 Chiavari, Republic of Genoa |
Died | 17 October 1492 (aged 72) Binasco, Duchy of Milan |
Venerated in | Roman Catholic Church |
Beatified | 8 January 1930, Saint Peter's Basilica, Vatican City by Pope Pius XI |
Feast |
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Attributes | Franciscan habit |
Patronage |
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Ravaschieri's beatification received confirmation - on 8 January 1930 - after Pope Pius XI issued a decree that acknowledged his 'cultus' (or popular devotion and following).[3]
Life
Baldassare Ravaschieri was born in the Republic of Genoa in 1420 to nobles whose ancestors were the counts of Lavagna; his father was Count Cattaneo (d. 1421). His aunts Ginerva and Tobia - both Franciscan tertiaries - were responsible for his religious upbringing.[2]
He entered the convent of the Order of Friars Minor not too far from his home in Genoa where he became noted for being a good theologian and a model religious while also acting as a zealous confessor. He was also known for his practice of mortifications. Ravaschieri also served as the order's superior and later its vicar provincial.[2] His studies for the priesthood were conducted at Santa Maria del Campo (where he earned his doctorate in theological studies)[3] before he was ordained as a priest.[1] Ravaschieri also suffered from gout which limited his movements and required him to sometimes be carried to Mass.
Ravaschieri also served as a preacher alongside Bernardine of Feltre.[1] He was a friend of the architect Giovanni Antonio Amadeo and the confessor of Veronica of Milan.[2] It was once said that on one winter night he had remained in the woods where it was snowing though the spot he was sitting in was without snow.[3]
He died on 17 October 1492. His relics were transferred to Pavia in 1805.[3]
Beatification
The Diocese of Pavia initiated the cause for beatification that later resulted in the recognition of his 'cultus' (or popular following) which allowed for Pope Pius XI - on 8 January 1930 - to confirm his beatification.
References
- "Blessed Balthassar of Chiavari". Saints SQPN. 8 April 2015. Retrieved 23 July 2016.
- "Ravaschieri, Balthasar, Bl". Encyclopedia.com. Retrieved 23 July 2016.
- "Blessed Baldassare Ravaschieri from Chiavari". Santi e Beati. Retrieved 23 July 2016.