Blessed Giulio Of Montevergine

Biography

Blessed Giulio of Montevergine, also known as Julio or Julius, was born in the 16th century in Nardú, Lecce, Italy, to a noble family. Growing up, he received an excellent education in various fields, including music, literature, and the sciences. However, even from a young age, Giulio felt a deep calling to embrace a life dedicated to God.

In a remarkable display of humility and detachment from worldly possessions, Giulio gave away all his wealth to the poor and renounced his noble status. Seeking solitude and spiritual growth, he left his home and embarked on a life of solitary prayer and contemplation as a hermit in the region of Campania, Italy.

During his time as a hermit, Giulio befriended another hermit named Giovanni, and the two became renowned for their wisdom and holiness. News of their spiritual guidance and exemplary lives spread, attracting individuals seeking their counsel and teachings. To accommodate the growing number of disciples, the local feudal lords generously constructed a hermitage and a church dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary for Giulio and Giovanni.

Recognizing the need for long-term caretakers for the property, Giulio and Giovanni expressed their desire to entrust it to a religious order. Hearing of their request, Pope Gregory XIII responded by sending the Camaldolese Benedictines to oversee the hermitage and church. With the arrival of the monks, Giulio decided to withdraw from the area and resume his life as a solitary hermit.

However, Giulio remained in close proximity to the abbey of Montevergine, living nearby with the permission of the monks. Despite his proximity, he never officially joined the Order but served the abbey for an incredible 24 years as an organist. His musical talents and devotion to sacred liturgy earned him widespread acclaim, with people from neighboring cities flocking to hear his enchanting melodies during religious ceremonies.

On July 8, 1601, Blessed Giulio of Montevergine passed away at the abbey of Montevergine due to natural causes. Prior to his death, Giulio made a unique and poignant request to be buried under the floor of the Chapel of the Madonna in the abbey. His intention was to be trampled upon by all the pilgrims visiting the chapel, serving as a constant reminder of his own great sinfulness and need for humility.

Twenty years after his burial, in 1621, the chapel underwent renovations, and Giulio's tomb was opened. To the astonishment of those present, his body was found to be incorrupt, preserved miraculously by divine intervention. This remarkable discovery only served to further enhance his reputation for holiness and sanctity.

While Blessed Giulio of Montevergine does not have a specific representation associated with him, his feast day is celebrated on July 8th each year, commemorating his life of prayer, humility, and service. Although he has not been officially beatified by the Catholic Church, his virtuous existence continues to inspire and touch the lives of many faithful believers.