It is celebrated on March 25
Popular tradition says that Blessed Thomas of Costacciaro is the patron saint of travellers, and therefore, praying to him helps to avoid danger while on the move.
Biography and life of Blessed Thomas of Costacciaro
Blessed Thomas of Costacciaro was born in 1487 in Costacciaro, Italy. He was the son of a noble family and was educated at home by his mother. At age ten, he entered the Benedictine monastery of Santa Maria di Monte Oliveto Maggiore, where he remained until 1507. He then studied theology and philosophy at the University of Perugia.
In 1517, he became a priest and was ordained a deacon that same year. In 1518, he was ordained a priest and assigned as chaplain to Duke Francesco Maria I of Urbino. In 1519, he returned to his native monastery and became its abbot.
In 1524, Pope Clement VII named him Bishop of Massa Lubrense and consecrated him that same year. As bishop, he worked to improve the spiritual and material life of his diocesan. He also founded a college and made many donations to the poor.
In 1527, when the imperial troops invaded Italy during the War of the Flowery Fields, Blessed Thomas helped many people fleeing the invading troops. He also helped many wounded soldiers and provided shelter for those who could not flee. He was later arrested by imperial troops and brought before Emperor Charles V as a hostage because he could not pay the ransom demanded of him. However, he managed to escape while he was transferred to the Pavia castle where he was being held prisoner.
After the escape, he returned to his diocese and continued to help those who needed help during the war. In 1529, when French troops invaded Italy to support Pope Clement VII against Charles V during the Holy Roman War against France and Italy (1521-1526), ​​Blessed Thomas assisted both French and Italian troops wounded during the armed conflict. . He also founded a hospital to care for both French and Italian soldiers wounded during the war. After the end of the war, wounded patients continued to arrive from all over the world to be treated at the hospital founded by Blessed Thomas.
Prayer to Blessed Thomas of Costacciaro
Oh Saint Anthony, friend of Jesus,
that in heaven you enjoy happiness,
and on earth you are a great help;
through your intercession free us from evil.
second sentence
O glorious and holy Thomas of Costacciaro,
that in life you were an example of virtue and holiness,
and that now you enjoy eternal happiness in heaven,
I beg you to intercede before God for us sinners.
Help us to imitate your example of faith and love,
and to follow the paths of justice and peace.
Grant us the grace to persevere to the end on the path of good,
so that one day we can reach the glory of heaven. Amen.
important things you did
– preached against paganism and idolatry
– helped establish the Catholic Church in Italy
– was one of the first missionaries to bring the Gospel to the Nordic countries
– founded monasteries and convents
– wrote works on theology and apologetics
– was a great defender of the Catholic faith during the Costanzo Controversy