Blessed Pietro Parenzo

Blessed

Post-Congregation

Feast Day

21-May

Born

12th century Rome, Italy

Died

Hit in the head with a hammer by Patarine heretic kidnappers on 21 May 1199 in a hut just outside Orvieto, Italy; other kidnappers stabbed his body numerous times with knives and swords; buried in the graveyard of the church of Santa Maria in Orvieto; relics in the Chapel of the Corporal in the cathedral of Orvieto

Beatified

Popularly considered a martyr at the time of his death, there were commemorations beginning in 1200; his tomb became a stopping point for people passing through Orvieto while on pilgrimages to Rome, Italy; 16 March 1879 by Pope Leo XIII (cultus confirmation)

Biography

Blessed Pietro Parenzo, also known as Pietro Parrozzo, was born in the 12th century in Rome, Italy, into the noble Parenzo family. His father, Giovanni, served as a senator and judge, while his mother, Odolina, is mentioned in historical records. Sadly, very little is known about Pietro's early life, except that he had brothers and was married at one point.

Cause for Canonization

Beatified

Beatified1879-03-16 by Popularly considered a martyr at the time of his death, there were commemorations beginning in 1200; his tomb became a stopping point for people passing through Orvieto while on pilgrimages to Rome, Italy; 16 March 1879 by Pope Leo XIII (cultus confirmation)