Blessed Geremia Lambertenghi

Biography

Blessed Geremia Lambertenghi, also known as Jeremiah or Jeremy, was born in Como, Italy around the year 1440. He was the son of Francesco Lambertenghi, a member of the city council of Como, and Ursina di Fontanella. From a young age, Geremia showed remarkable religious devotion and a deep concern for the welfare of the poor.

At the age of 20, Geremia felt a strong calling to religious life and joined the Franciscan Order as a tertiary. For 15 years, he resided at the San Donato hermitage on Mount Brunate in Como. During this time, he immersed himself in a life of prayer, penance, and service to others.

After his ordination as a priest, Geremia was assigned to the convent of Montebello di Lodi in 1475. Here, he became well-known for his severe penances and austere way of life. Not only did he impose rigorous disciplines upon himself, but he also supervised and actively participated in the construction of the Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin of Piratello in Imola, Italy, starting in 1483. Geremia, with his own hands, engaged in bricklaying and managed the building fund for this sacred place.

In 1489, Geremia was assigned to serve as a priest at the convent of Santa Maria in Valverde in Forlè, Italy. He soon became the vicar of the convent and devoted himself entirely to the well-being of the community. As a way to support the convent and to care for the sick poor, Geremia took upon himself the task of begging in the streets. This allowed him to not only collect alms but also provide comfort and aid to those in need.

Throughout his life, Geremia embarked on several pilgrimages, including visits to Rome for the Jubilee celebration of 1500 and to the Holy House of Loreto. These journeys deepened his spiritual devotion and further strengthened his commitment to serving God and his fellow human beings.

Geremia Lambertenghi peacefully passed away on Good Friday and the Feast of the Annunciation, on 25 March 1513, in the Santa Maria in Valverde convent in Forlè, Emilia-Romagna, Italy. His burial took place in the common tomb of the friars at the convent. Later, his remains were re-interred in the sacristy at the convent church and eventually moved to the altar of the same church.

It is worth noting that Blessed Geremia Lambertenghi's body was reported to be incorrupt, a phenomenon revered by believers as a sign of holiness. There is a local devotion to him in Forlè, and he appears on the diocesan calendar of saints. Furthermore, a miraculous healing in 1525, attributed to his intercession, contributed to an outpouring of popular devotion to him.

The official Cause for the beatification of Blessed Geremia Lambertenghi was initiated in the latter part of the 17th century and remains ongoing today. Although he has not yet been formally beatified by the Catholic Church, his life continues to inspire many, and his memory is honored with great reverence. The relics of Blessed Geremia Lambertenghi are enshrined in the Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin of Piratello in Imola, Bologna, Italy since 1971.