Blessed Tommaso Of Costacciaro

Biography

Blessed Tommaso of Costacciaro, also known as Blessed Tommaso da Costacciaro, was born in the mid-13th century in the castle of San Savino, located in Costacciaro, Umbria, Italy within the diocese of Gubbio. His exact birth date is unknown.

Tommaso's spiritual journey took a significant turn after a visit to a Camaldolese hermitage in 1270. Touched by the monastic and eremitical life, he felt a deep sense of calling to dedicate his life to prayer and solitude. Consequently, he joined the Camaldolese community and became a monk in the Abbey of Santa Maria in Sitria, Italy.

After spending some time in the monastery, Tommaso felt a strong desire for a more solitary and austere life. He sought permission to live as a hermit and was granted the opportunity to settle on Monte Cucco in the Umbria region of Italy. For over 60 years, Tommaso lived as a hermit in utmost poverty and self-denial, dedicating all his time to prayer and meditation. His small hermitage became a place of profound spiritual transformation and a beacon of divine grace.

Blessed Tommaso of Costacciaro's life was marked by his unyielding commitment to living a life of utter simplicity and devotion. He embraced a life of poverty voluntarily, relying solely on basic necessities and divine providence. Through his example, he sought to inspire others to detach themselves from material possessions and focus on the pursuit of spiritual growth.

Blessed Tommaso of Costacciaro died on March 25, 1337, on Monte Cucco, where he had spent decades in solitude and prayer. His death was a natural one, and he was buried at the Franciscan Conventual church in Costacciaro, Italy. Later, in 1546, his relics were enshrined beneath the main altar of the church.

Throughout the years following his death, numerous miracles were attributed to Blessed Tommaso's intercession. Lists of these miracles were compiled in 1726 and 1748, testifying to the powerful spiritual influence he had even after his earthly life. As a result, he was beatified by Pope Clement VIII, who confirmed his cultus in 1778. Pope Pius VI extended his cultus to the diocese of Gubbio, Italy, in 1778, and in 1833, Pope Gregory XVI extended it to the Camaldolese community.

Today, Blessed Tommaso of Costacciaro is venerated as a model of unwavering faith, simplicity, and contemplative life. His life of prayer and seclusion continues to inspire many individuals on their spiritual journey, reminding them of the power of complete surrender to God and the transformative nature of inner solitude. The feast days associated with Blessed Tommaso are celebrated on March 25 and the 1st Sunday of September in Costacciaro, Italy.