Saint of the Day – 18 August – Blessed Leonard of Cava (1232-1255) Abbot

Saint of the Day – 18 August – Blessed Leonard of Cava (1232-1255) Abbot, an Administrator par excellence, a Peace-maker, a Monk devoted to the Rule of St Benedictine. He was known as a man of extraordinary gentleness and peace.

Successor of Blessed Balsamus, at the helm of the Benedictine Abbey of Trinità di Cava, he was elected on 13 December 1232, governing the Monastery for 23 years.

He was a sweet and peaceful man, wise and a skilled administrator. During the struggle between the Pope and the Emperor Frederick II which characterised the whole period, Leonard was able to manage all issues intelligently and highly effectively, without antagonising anyone, thus saving the Abbey from the prospect of closure and protecting its financial resources and treasures too.

In fact, Leonard was elected, by the Emperor in 1245, together with other Ecclesiastics, to plead his cause before the Council of Lyons – the Emperor himself and the Popes, Innocent IV and Alexander IV, multiplied the concessions and privileges to the Abbey, which assumed a notable role and importance throughout the Middle Ages.

He led by example and his brother Monks became known for their devotion to the Benedictine Rule. The Monks also generously assisted the people affected by the war. In 1249, the City of Benevento destroyed by the Germans, entrusted the Abbey with the custody of the Relics of St Bartolomew and the Diocesan treasury. When the Relics were returned to their rightful home, a portion of the head was donated and enshrined in the Abbey as a gift of appreciation.

The worthy and holy Abbot died on 18 August 1255 and was buried in the ‘Arsicia’ cave, the place incorporated into the Abbey Church, which was used by the Founder, St Alferius, as his initial hermitage.

In 1641 he was given a different burial in front of the choir door; currently his Relics are kept in a side Altar of the Abbey Church. His cult was confirmed by Pope Pius XI on 16 May 1928 – his liturgical Feast is celebrated on the date of his entrance into eternal life, 18 August.