Blessed Benincasa Of Montepulciano

Blessed Benincasa of Montepulciano, also known as Benincasa of Montepulciano, Benincosa of Montepulciano, John Benincasa, or Giovanni Benincasa, was born in 1375 in Montepulciano, Siena, Italy. He is celebrated as a devout servant of God and a member of the Order of the Servites.

At a young age, Blessed Benincasa joined the Servite Order with great enthusiasm and dedication. His commitment to a life of prayer and service led him to become a hermit on Monte Amiata near Siena, Italy when he was just 25 years old. This period of solitude and contemplation allowed him to deepen his relationship with God and grow in holiness.

Around the age of 50, the Servite community ordered Blessed Benincasa to leave his hermitage and join them in Monticchiello, Italy. In this new setting, he lived out the remaining months of his life, continuing his life of prayer, penance, and service within the community. Here, he shared his wisdom and spiritual insights with his fellow Servites, leaving a lasting impact on their lives.

Throughout his life, Blessed Benincasa embodied the virtues of humility, devotion, and obedience. He was known for his strong faith, his love for the Blessed Virgin Mary, and his dedication to the Holy Eucharist. His simple and austere lifestyle set an example for others to follow, inspiring them to seek spiritual perfection.

Blessed Benincasa's feast days are celebrated on May 9th and May 11th by the Servites, and on June 20th in some calendars. He passed away peacefully on May 9, 1426, in Monticchiello, Italy, dying of natural causes. His death was mourned by the Servite community and all those who had been touched by his holiness and piety.

Blessed Benincasa was beatified on December 23, 1829, by Pope Pius VIII, who confirmed the cultus surrounding his life, recognizing his sanctity and the profound impact he had on the faithful. Today, his legacy lives on as an example of a dedicated servant of God, a humble follower of Christ, and a model of holiness for all Catholics to emulate.