Blessed Augustine Fangi

Biography

Blessed Augustine Fangi, also known as Augustine of Biella and Agostino Fangi, was born in 1430 to a wealthy noble family in Biella, Piedmont, Italy. From a young age, Augustine demonstrated a deep commitment to his faith, and he eventually joined the Dominican Order.

Augustine entered the Dominican house in Biella, Italy, where he dedicated himself to a life of rigorous self-discipline and penance. He was widely admired for his unwavering self-control and his ability to endure severe physical hardships. In one remarkable instance, Augustine underwent surgery without anesthesia, maintaining a steadfast focus on his prayers, without uttering a single cry of pain.

Due to his exemplary devotion and strong leadership skills, Augustine was appointed Prior of several Dominican houses throughout his life. He served as Prior of Socino in 1464, followed by positions in Vercelli and Vigevano. Throughout his time in these roles, Augustine continued to inspire and guide his fellow friars, leaving a lasting impact on the communities he served.

Blessed Augustine Fangi was known for his gift of performing miracles, which demonstrated the abundant grace bestowed upon him by God. One celebrated incident involved a deformed child who had died without being baptized. Through Augustine's fervent prayers, the child was briefly restored to life, allowing the necessary sacrament of baptism to be administered.

Another remarkable miracle associated with Augustine occurred when he encountered a young boy who was distressed after accidentally breaking a jug of wine. Augustine collected the shattered pieces, mended them back together, and offered a prayer. To the astonishment of those present, the jug was instantly refilled with wine, a miraculous act believed to be a testament to Augustine's holiness and intercession.

Furthermore, Augustine played a crucial role in the deliverance of a woman who was possessed by five devils. Through his powerful intercession, the woman was freed from her tormentors, restoring her to a state of spiritual well-being.

In the twilight years of his life, Augustine resided within the monastery in Venice, Italy. It was during this period that he embraced a life of quiet contemplation and prayer. He passed away peacefully on 22 July 1493 in Venice, succumbing to natural causes.

Remarkably, several decades after his death, an extraordinary event occurred that further solidified Augustine's spiritual significance. In the 1530s, workers discovered Augustine's coffin floating in water that had seeped into the burial chamber. When the coffin was opened, his body and clothing were found to be incorrupt, a miraculous preservation that testified to his sanctity. This miraculous preservation contributed to the veneration of Blessed Augustine Fangi by the faithful.

Recognizing his immense holiness and the numerous miracles associated with his intercession, Pope Blessed Pius IX beatified Augustine Fangi in 1872, confirming his cultus and acknowledging his status as a blessed individual. Subsequently, in 1878, Augustine Fangi was formally beatified, solidifying his esteemed place in the Catholic Church.

Blessed Augustine Fangi remains an inspirational figure, revered for his immense faith, severe self-imposed penances, and unwavering dedication to God. His life and miraculous actions continue to inspire believers, drawing them closer to the Divine and exemplifying the power of prayer and intercession.