No image available
Feast Day: September 15
Blessed Cristiano of Perugia, also known as Cristiano Ermanni della Staffa, was born around the year 1200 in Perugia, Italy. He was born into the Italian nobility, an upbringing that offered him many privileges and opportunities. Sent to study at the prestigious university in Bologna, Cristiano's life took a drastic turn when he encountered the influential preaching of Saint Dominic de Guzman.
Moved by Saint Dominic's powerful words and witnessing his fervent dedication to the Gospel, Cristiano felt a deep calling to religious life. He decided to join the Dominican Order and received the habit directly from Saint Dominic himself. Thus, began a lifelong commitment to serving God as a Dominican friar.
Cristiano's religious journey was marked by a profound devotion to Saint Augustine of Hippo, whose spiritual writings deeply resonated with him. His devotion was rewarded when Saint Augustine appeared to him in a vision, encouraging him to embrace a more ascetic life of discipline and self-denial. Inspired by this encounter, Cristiano embraced a life of simplicity and rigorous commitment to prayer, study, and service.
Around the year 1230, Cristiano, along with another Blessed, Nicola Paglia, undertook the establishment of the Dominican presence in Perugia. With great dedication and perseverance, they built a church dedicated to Saint Dominic and later established a Dominican house. Cristiano, recognized for his leadership qualities and deep spirituality, was appointed as the prior of the house.
Under Cristiano's guidance, the Dominican community in Perugia flourished both spiritually and intellectually. He fostered a vibrant religious life among the friars, nurturing their spiritual growth and encouraging their intellectual pursuits. Due to his strong leadership and unwavering commitment to the Dominican charism, Cristiano was highly esteemed not only by his fellow friars but also by the local community.
Blessed Cristiano of Perugia dedicated himself to the service of God and the Church for a remarkable 55 years within the Dominican Order. His life was characterized by humility, selflessness, and a tireless commitment to the spread of the Gospel.
He passed away around the year 1276, dying of natural causes. As an enduring testament to his life of holiness, Blessed Cristiano was buried in the church of Saint Dominic in Perugia, next to his compatriot, Blessed Nicola Paglia.
Although not yet officially venerated or beatified by the Catholic Church, the life of Blessed Cristiano of Perugia stands as an inspiration to all who strive for holiness and service to God. His unwavering commitment to the Dominican Order and his deep devotion to the teachings of Saint Augustine make him a shining example of religious dedication and spiritual fidelity. The faithful continue to honor his memory and seek his intercession on the feast day of September 15th.