Saint Tommaso da Cori Placidi

Tommaso da Cori, born Francesco Antonio Placidi on 4 June 1655 and died on 11 January 1729, was an Italian Roman Catholic priest who lived as a hermit for much of his religious life. He joined the Order of Friars Minor and became renowned as a preacher in the region where he resided. His reputation grew to such an extent that he was referred to as the 'Apostle of the Sublacense.'

Tommaso's preaching ministry was celebrated widely, and he spent significant time in seclusion, dedicating himself to prayer and spiritual contemplation. He remained a hermit for most of his life, living in solitude but maintaining a profound impact on the faithful through his sermons.

After his death, Tommaso da Cori's beatification was celebrated under Pope Pius VI on 3 September 1786. His canonization process continued into the modern era, culminating with his beatification in Saint Peter's Square by Pope John Paul II on 21 November 1999.