Blessed Vincent De LAquila

Blessed Vincent De Laquila

Blessed

Post-Congregation

Feast Day

7 August (Franciscan Martyrology)

Born

C.1435

Died

Evening of 7 August 1504 in his hut in the forest outside the convent of San Giualiano near L’Aquila, Italy of natural causes; Blessed Christina Ciccarelli saw his soul taken to heaven by angels; at his death, the entire forest around his hut was lit by a great light; this led to a custom of lighting the convent and the part of the nearby forest every year over night on 6 August, the eve of his death and commoration; interred in the church of the San Giuliano convent

Beatified

19 September 1787 by Pope Pius VI (cultus confirmation)

Biography

Blessed Vincent De Laquila, also known as Vincent of L'Aquila, was a Catholic saint and a member of the Friars Minor. It is believed that he may have trained as a shoemaker in his youth before he joined the order at the tender age of 14. He took up residence at the convent of San Giuliano outside L'Aquila, Italy and spent his formative years in a humble hut nestled in the forest near the convent. Vincent rarely left his secluded dwelling, venturing out only for religious services, Mass, or when called upon by his superiors.