Saint of the Day – 1 August – Blessed Giovanni Bufalari OSA (c 1318-c 1350)

Saint of the Day – 1 August – Blessed Giovanni Bufalari OSA (c 1318-c 1350) Friar of the Order of the Hermits of St Augustine, Porter at his Monastery, Apostle of the poor and sick. Born at Castel Porziano near Rome, Italy as Giovanni Bufalari and died in c 1350 of natural causes aged 32 Brother of Blessed Lucia Bufalari. Also known as – John Bufalari of Rieti. Beatified in 1832 by Pope Gregory XVI.

We know nothing about his parentage and early life. His story starts when he entered the Augustinian Order as a teenager.

He was noted for his innocence, simplicity and love for his Augustinian community. He considered himself to be the servant of all,and showed great fraternal love in caring for the sick and welcoming guests to the Monastery. He spent much time in prayer.

There is a story told about John crying after having spent some time in the Monastery garden. Asked what was wrong, he answered that while the plants, trees and birds were obedient to God, men and women, to whom eternal life is promised, are disobedient to their Creator.

John died in Rieti around the year 1350. He was 32 years old.

His remains are preserved at Saint Augustine Church in Rieti. Pope Gregory XVI proclaimed him Blessed in 1832.