Blessed Jacopone Da Todi

Biography

Blessed Jacopone Da Todi, also known as Crazy Jim, was born as Jacopo Benedetti around the year 1230 in Todi, Italy. He hailed from the noble Benedetti family of Todi and later became a renowned successful lawyer in Bologna, Italy. In 1267, Jacopo married a woman named Vanna di Guidone. However, their marriage faced challenges as Vanna considered Jacomo too worldly and indulgent in his materialistic pursuits.

Tragedy struck their lives in 1268 when Jacopo insisted that Vanna attend a public tournament against her wishes. Unfortunately, the stands in which she sat collapsed, resulting in her untimely death. This devastating event, coupled with Jacopo's discovery of Vanna's penance for him, caused a profound and radical change within him. Overwhelmed with grief and remorse, he renounced his former way of life and gave away his possessions to the poor. He began dressing in rags and devoted himself to a life of penance, eventually becoming a Franciscan tertiary.

Due to his drastic transformation and erratic behavior, Jacopo's former associates began referring to him as Jacopone, meaning "Crazy Jim." Rather than shun this new identity, Jacopo embraced it wholeheartedly. For ten years, he endured penance and abuse, striving to prove his sanity and his sincere desire to join the Franciscans. In 1278, he composed a beautiful poem that portrayed the vanities of the world. This poem profoundly affected the Franciscans, who were initially hesitant to accept him. However, his sincerity shone through, and he was eventually admitted to the Order.

Although Jacopone became a Franciscan, he chose not to pursue ordination and instead focused on writing popular hymns in the vernacular language. His hymns resonated with people and contributed to his growing influence among the faithful.

Jacopone unexpectedly found himself at the forefront of a religious movement within the Franciscans called the Spirituals. These individuals advocated for a return to the strict poverty espoused by Saint Francis. Supported by two influential cardinals and Pope Celestine V, the Spirituals faced opposition from the cardinals opposing Celestine's successor, Pope Boniface VIII. Amidst the political turmoil in the Vatican, Jacopone and the Spirituals were excommunicated.

At the age of 68, Jacopone acknowledged his error and sought reconciliation. However, he was imprisoned for his involvement with the Spirituals. His imprisonment lasted for a period of five years until the pontificate of Blessed Benedict XI, who finally released him. Jacopone accepted his imprisonment as a form of penance and spent his remaining years entirely devoted to spirituality. Amidst his tears for what he perceived as the world's lack of love for Love itself, he penned numerous spiritual texts, including the famous Latin hymn, "Stabat Mater."

Blessed Jacopone Da Todi passed away on 25 December 1306 in Collazzone, Italy. As he breathed his last breath, a priest intoned the Gloria from the midnight Mass. Today, his relics are venerated at San Fortunato Church in Montecristo, Italy. While there is no specific date for his beatification mentioned in the provided details, Jacopone Da Todi remains an esteemed figure in Catholic tradition, revered for his profound spirituality and devotion to poverty.