Blessed Giovanni Tavalli

Biography

Blessed Giovanni Tavalli, also known as Giovanni Tavelli or Giovanni of Tossignano, was born in the latter part of 1386 in Tossignano, Bologna, Italy. Initially studying civil law in Bologna, Giovanni made the decision to leave his studies and join the Order of the Gesuati. This marked the beginning of his journey towards holiness and self-sacrifice.

In 1426, Giovanni was chosen as the prior of the Gesuati house in Ferrara, Italy. However, his dedication and commitment to the faith did not end there. On October 28, 1431, he was unexpectedly chosen to be the bishop of Ferrara. At first, Giovanni refused the position, but Pope Eugene IV personally corresponded with him, urging him to accept the role. This intervention ultimately changed Giovanni's mind, and he embarked on a new chapter of his life as a servant of God.

Subsequently, on December 27, 1431, Giovanni was ordained as a priest and consecrated as a bishop during a single continuous service. This marked the beginning of his episcopal ministry, which lasted for the remaining 12 and a half years of his life. Blessed Giovanni was an active bishop who exhibited great dedication to his duties, regularly traveling throughout his diocese on six separate occasions.

Throughout his life, Blessed Giovanni Tavalli had a profound love for learning and a commitment to furthering his spiritual knowledge. He authored and translated various works on the ascetic life and the Bible, leaving behind a legacy of intellectual and spiritual wisdom.

Blessed Giovanni actively participated in significant ecclesiastical events of his time. He attended the Council of Basel as well as the Council of Ferrara-Florence, where important matters of faith and church discipline were discussed and resolved.

One notable act of charity associated with Blessed Giovanni was his collaboration with the Marquises d'Este. In 1443, they founded the Arcispedale di Sant'Anna in order to care for those afflicted by the plague. This benevolent institution provided much-needed support and relief to the suffering individuals during that challenging time.

Furthermore, a popular legend has it that Blessed Giovanni's prayers miraculously saved the city of Ferrara from the devastating flooding of the river Po. This account attests to the widespread belief in his holiness and the power of his intercession.

On July 24, 1446, Blessed Giovanni Tavalli passed away in Ferrara, Italy, due to natural causes. In 1713, his remains were re-interred in the crypt of the church of San Girolamo in Ferrara. Subsequently, on July 23, 1719, his relics were enshrined in an urn placed under the high altar of the same church. Later, in 1947, the urn was re-interred under the altar of the Crucifix within the church. Additionally, in August 1846, a bone from his right hand was donated and enshrined in the archpriestal church of San Michele Arcangelo in Tossignano, Italy.

Blessed Giovanni Tavalli's sanctity and reputation for virtue led to his beatification by Pope Clement VIII, who confirmed his cultus, or popular veneration, in the Catholic Church. This recognition was further reinforced by Pope Benedict XIV on July 20, 1748, who also confirmed the cultus. Lastly, on January 23, 2020, Pope Francis issued a decree declaring the heroic virtues of Blessed Giovanni Tavalli following a re-examination of his Cause using updated methods and standards.

Blessed Giovanni Tavalli's life and teachings serve as an inspiration for all, urging believers to embrace a life of selflessness, intellectual pursuit, and unwavering faith. His dedication to the Church and tireless efforts to minister to those in need continue to resonate with generations of Catholics.