Bl. Bartholomew of Breganze
Dominican Bishop of Vicenza
Feast Day: October 27
Biography
Blessed Bartholomew of Breganze (c. 1200–1271), also called Bartholomew of Vicenza, was born near Vicenza in northern Italy and studied at Padua. He entered the young Order of Preachers in its early years; some accounts say he received the habit from St. Dominic himself. He became a noted preacher at a time when northern Italy was torn by violent feuds between cities and factions, and he founded a confraternity known as the Militia of Jesus Christ to work for peace and defend the faith. In 1248 he was made a bishop in Cyprus, and he later met King St. Louis IX of France in the Holy Land and became his friend. In 1256 he was appointed bishop of his native Vicenza, though the rule of the tyrant Ezzelino da Romano kept him from his see for several years. From St. Louis he received relics of the True Cross and a thorn believed to be from Christ's crown of thorns, and he built a Dominican church in Vicenza to house them, known as Santa Corona, the Holy Crown, where he is buried. He was known as a devoted pastor and preacher. He died in 1271, and his cult was formally confirmed in 1793.
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Prayer
Blessed Bartholomew, preacher of peace, you worked to heal the divisions of your people and honored the Passion of our Lord. Pray for families, neighborhoods, and nations torn by conflict, that they may be reconciled in Christ. Help me to be a peacemaker in my own home and to keep the Cross of Jesus close to my heart. Amen.
Asking for Intercession
Catholics ask saints to pray with us and for us, as we ask friends on earth. Bl. Bartholomew of Breganze, who lives in God's presence, intercedes before His throne. Speak from your heart: “Bl. Bartholomew of Breganze, please pray for me…” You may also pray the prayer above or include this intention in your Rosary.