Blessed Stefano Del Lupo

Biography

Blessed Stefano Del Lupo, also known as Stephen of the Wolf, was a Benedictine monk who dedicated his life to God's service in the rugged Maiella mountains of the Abruzzo Apennines, Italy. Born between 1099 and 1118, most likely in or near Carovilli, Italy, Stefano felt a deep calling to a life of penance and solitude.

In pursuit of this calling, Stefano became a hermit, seeking solitude and communion with God in a cave near the San Liberatore monastery. It is said that he earned the nickname "del Lupo" or "of the Wolf" when he miraculously tamed an aggressive wolf that lived in the wild area outside Manoppello, Italy. This event added to his reputation for holiness and drew others to seek his guidance.

Numerous spiritual seekers flocked to Stefano, desiring his wisdom and guidance, leading him to establish the San Pietro di Vallebona monastery near Manoppello. The monastery, founded to accommodate his spiritual students, was initially associated with the Abbey of Santa Maria di Pulsano. Stefano served as a monk and spiritual director at the monastery for 40 years, entrusting the administrative duties to a series of priors.

On 25th October 1188, Pope Clement III recognized the exceptional holiness and importance of the San Pietro di Vallebona monastery by issuing a special privilege that elevated it to an abbey. As a result, Stefano was appointed its first abbot, taking on additional responsibilities in guiding the community and deepening their spiritual lives.

Blessed Stefano Del Lupo passed away on 19th July 1191, dying of natural causes. He was buried in a marble sepulchre in the church of the San Pietro di Vallebona abbey near Manoppello, Italy. Over the centuries, his relics were examined and re-interred multiple times for further veneration. In 1591, 1645, and 1646, his relics were taken out, examined, and re-enshrined. However, on 29th September 1807, when the San Pietro monastery was suppressed, his relics were re-enshrined in the church of Santa Maria Assunta in Carovilli, Italy.

Finally, in 2004, his relics were re-enshrined in an urn within the San Stefano del Lupo chapel in Carovilli, providing a place of veneration and devotion for the faithful. Although specific details about his representations are currently unavailable, his feast days are celebrated on 19th July, 19th September (on some calendars), and 29th September (on some calendars).

Although Blessed Stefano Del Lupo has not been formally beatified, his unwavering commitment to a life of holiness and his spiritual impact on his followers continue to inspire and guide countless individuals in their own faith journeys.