Blessed Gonzalo De Amarante

Biography

Blessed Gonzalo De Amarante, also known as Gon√ßalo, Gonzague, Gonzalès, Gonzalve, Gonzalvus, and Gundisalvus, was born in 1187 in Arriconha, Tagilde, Vizela, in the diocese of Braga, Portugal. He came from a wealthy and high-ranking family, but upon his ordination, he selflessly transferred his great wealth to his nephews.

After becoming a Dominican friar, Blessed Gonzalo embarked on a remarkable journey of pilgrimage through the Holy Lands, spending 14 years in devotion and solitude. When he finally returned home, his family did not recognize him, and his nephew even set the dogs on him. Undeterred by these challenges, he sought permission from his superiors to live as a hermit near Amaranthe, Portugal.

During his time near Amaranthe, Blessed Gonzalo engaged in many acts of charity and service. One notable achievement was the construction of a bridge over the Tamega River. With remarkable dedication, he built this bridge mostly with his own hands, demonstrating his commitment to serving his community.

Numerous miraculous incidents are associated with Blessed Gonzalo. As an infant, as he was being carried to the baptismal font, he fixed his eyes on the church's crucifix with an extraordinary look of love. This early encounter with divine presence foreshadowed his future as a devoted servant of God.

Another supernatural occurrence guided Gonzalo to join the Dominican Order. He received a directive that he should join the Order in which the Office began and ended with the Ave Maria ("Hail Mary"). Following this supernatural guidance, he joined the Dominicans and devoted himself to a life of prayer and religious service.

Several miracles are attributed to Blessed Gonzalo. On one occasion, while workers were helping him with the construction of the bridge, they ran out of wine. Gonzalo, in his faith and trust in God, prayed and struck a rock with a stick. Miraculously, the rock split open, and wine poured out, replenishing the supply. Similarly, when the workers ran out of food, Gonzalo went to the water, called out, and fish jumped onto the river bank, providing sustenance for all.

Blessed Gonzalo was also known for his powerful homilies. In one such sermon, he wanted to illustrate the horror of exclusion from the Church, and as a symbolic act, he "excommunicated" a basket of bread. Instantly, the loaves turned black, rotted, and became inedible. However, just a few minutes later, when he removed the "excommunication," the bread miraculously became fresh and wholesome again.

Throughout his life, Blessed Gonzalo had a deep devotion to the Dominican Order. His representations often depict him alongside notable Dominican saints, such as Saint Francis of Assisi and Saint Bernardine of Siena. Some representations also show him holding a ball, with the Christ Child shining light upon him, symbolizing his virtuous nature.

Blessed Gonzalo De Amarante passed away on 10 January 1259 in Amarante, Portugal, of natural causes. His selfless acts, miraculous deeds, and unwavering dedication to God and the Church led to his beatification on 16 September 1561 by Pope Pius IV. Although not officially venerated, his life and example continue to inspire believers to this day.