Blessed Girolamo Carmelo Di Savoia

Biography

Blessed Girolamo Carmelo Di Savoia, also known as San Carmel, was born into nobility as a member of the family of the Dukes of Savoy. Little is known about his early life and upbringing, but it is believed that he led a life as a soldier before experiencing a spiritual awakening.

In 1542, Blessed Girolamo joined the Mercedarians, a religious order dedicated to the redemption of Christian captives from Islamic lands. He entered their community in Barcelona, Spain on 25 March, committing himself to a life of service and devotion to God. It was during his time with the Mercedarians that he became known for his profound devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Throughout his religious life, Blessed Girolamo received numerous visions of the Blessed Virgin Mary. These mystical experiences deepened his faith and spurred him to write extensively in defense of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception. His writings aimed to elucidate and defend this important Catholic belief, which affirms that the Virgin Mary was conceived without the stain of original sin.

Although some accounts claim that Blessed Girolamo served as the bishop of Teruel, Spain, it is important to note that the diocese of Teruel was not established during his lifetime. Therefore, his active role in that capacity is debated among scholars.

Blessed Girolamo Carmelo Di Savoia passed away on 28 May 1558, in Barcelona, Spain, of natural causes. His devout life of faith and his writings in defense of the Immaculate Conception have earned him recognition within the Catholic Church. While information regarding his veneration, beatification, and feast days is currently unavailable, his life and contributions continue to inspire and inform believers.