Blessed Andrew Of Segni

Biography

Blessed Andrew of Segni, also known as Andrew of Conti, Andrew of Anagni, Andrew of Comitibus, and Andrea, was born in 1240 in Anagni, Italy. He belonged to the royal family of Anagni and was the nephew of Pope Alexander IV.

Having a deep devotion to the Franciscan order, Andrew became a lay-brother and dedicated his life to serving God. He embraced a life of solitude as a hermit in the Apennines mountains in Italy. Despite his secluded lifestyle, Andrew's reputation as a mystic began to spread, drawing both admiration and concern.

Throughout his life, Andrew reported being routinely visited and attacked by demons due to his heightened spiritual connection. He faced these spiritual trials with resilience and unwavering faith, always relying on prayer and the intercession of saints for protection.

Blessed Andrew's piety and holiness were so evident that Pope Boniface VIII desired to make him a cardinal. However, Andrew humbly declined the offer, feeling inadequate for such a position and choosing to remain in his beloved solitude.

On 1 February 1302, Blessed Andrew of Segni passed away peacefully at his hermitage on Mount Scalambra near Piglio, Italy. His death was attributed to natural causes. He was interred in the church of San Lorenzo in the Mount Scalambra convent.

Tragically, during World War II, the tomb of Blessed Andrew was damaged by bombing on 12 May 1944. However, on 8 February 1945, his relics were re-enshrined in the same church, where they are venerated by the faithful.

Blessed Andrew of Segni's exemplary life of prayer, solitude, and dedication to God continues to inspire those who seek a deeper spiritual connection. His beatification took place on 11 December 1724 by Pope Innocent XIII, who confirmed his cultus, acknowledging his holiness and the devotion of the faithful towards him.