Saint Nicolás Factorestaña

Biography

Saint Nicolás Factorestaña, also known as Nicholas Factor, Niccolò Fattore, and Nicola Fattore, was born on June 29, 1520, in Valencia, Spain. He was the son of a tailor, and from a young age, he displayed a strong devotion to God. This devotion ultimately led to his becoming a revered Catholic saint. In 1537, at the age of seventeen, Nicholas joined the Franciscans, a religious order that emphasized poverty, simplicity, and preaching. He quickly gained recognition for his charismatic preaching and deep spirituality. Nicholas became an itinerant preacher, traveling throughout the region of Valencia, spreading the message of the Gospel and attracting large crowds wherever he went. One notable aspect of Nicholas's spirituality was his practice of self-mortification. Before each sermon, he would savagely scourge himself as a form of penance. Despite the physical pain he endured, Nicholas believed that this act of self-denial helped him to better identify with the sufferings of Christ and communicate his message of love and salvation to others. Nicholas was not only a gifted preacher but also a mystic and visionary. Legend tells of his supernatural experiences during moments of ecstasy. His body would become so overheated during these episodes that he had to be immersed in water, which would then boil. These extraordinary occurrences only served to enhance his reputation as a holy man. Throughout his life, Nicholas cultivated strong relationships with other holy figures of his time. He counted among his friends Saint Pascal Baylon, Saint Louis Bertrand, and Saint John de Ribera, each of whom provided testimony during Nicholas' beatification investigation. Their testimonies attested to his piety, virtue, and profound impact on the lives of others. Nicholas Factor passed away on December 23, 1583, at the convent of Saint Mary of Jesus near Valencia, Spain. His death came as a result of natural causes, marking the end of a life fully dedicated to God and the service of others. His legacy lived on, however, and his reputation as a saintly and well-respected individual remained intact. Recognizing his extraordinary virtues, Pope Pius VI beatified Nicholas on August 27, 1786. Despite not having a specific patronage attributed to him, Saint Nicolás Factorestaña continues to be venerated as a model of faith, devotion, and self-sacrifice. His feast day is celebrated on December 23, although some calendars observe it on December 14 as well. Though no specific representations or symbols are linked to Saint Nicolás Factorestaña, his exemplary life as a preacher, mystic, and visionary leaves a lasting impact on the Catholic faithful. His biography stands as a testament to the profound love for God and dedication to righteousness that continues to inspire believers.