Blessed Gandulphus Of Binasco

Blessed Gandulphus of Binasco, also known as Gandulphus Sacchi, Gandulphus of Polizzi Generosa, Gandulphus of Polizzo, Gandolf, Gandolfo, and Gandulf, was born in Binasco, Lombardy, Italy around the year 1200. He was born into the noble Sacchi family, known for their wealth and influence.

At a young age, Gandulphus felt called to a life of faith and dedicated himself to the service of God. Inspired by the teachings and example of Saint Francis of Assisi, he joined the newly founded Franciscan Order while Saint Francis was still alive. Gandulphus made his final vows as a Franciscan friar around the year 1224, committing himself entirely to a life of poverty, humility, and devotion to God and to his fellow beings.

Throughout his life as a Franciscan, Father Gandulphus dedicated himself to prayer and preaching, spreading the message of Christ's love and salvation. He traveled extensively throughout Sicily, Italy, proclaiming the Gospel and calling people to repentance and faith.

In the year 1256, Father Gandulphus founded the Franciscan convent at Termini Imerese, Italy, which served as a house of prayer and a center for spiritual formation for the friars. The convent became a place of great spiritual growth and attracted many individuals seeking a deepening of their relationship with God.

One incident that greatly impacted Father Gandulphus's ministry occurred in 1260. It is said that he miraculously cured a young mute man outside Polizzi Generosa, Italy, through his prayers and intercession. This miraculous event spread throughout the region, and as a result, the people began to listen attentively to Father Gandulphus's preaching, recognizing him as a true instrument of God.

On Holy Saturday, 3 April 1260, Father Gandulphus passed away at the San Nicolú Hospital in Polizzi Generosa, Sicily, Italy, due to natural causes. The legend says that as his body was laid out in the church, birds gathered and sang in a solemn tribute to this holy man of God. Immediately recognizing his sanctity, the locals enshrined his relics in a wooden reliquary soon after his death.

In 1482, his relics were transferred to a marble ark, signifying the high regard and veneration the people held for Blessed Gandulphus. The reliquary was then covered in silver leaf in 1549, further emphasizing the special place he held in the hearts of the faithful.

Blessed Gandulphus of Binasco was beatified on 10 March 1881 by Pope Leo XIII, who confirmed the cultus or popular devotion to this holy Franciscan friar. His feast day is celebrated on 3 April, although it was formerly observed on 17 September. Every year on the 3rd Sunday of September, a procession is held in Polizzi Generosa, Italy, to honor and venerate his relics, a testament to the enduring impact of his life and ministry.

Blessed Gandulphus of Binasco stands as an inspiring example of selfless devotion to God and the tireless proclamation of the Gospel message. May his life continue to inspire and guide us in our own spiritual journeys.